Appliance with shim compatible geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting appliances on non-level floors or walls, such as toilets and sinks, often result in instability due to the use of narrow leveling shims that can cause displacement over time and risk damage during installation.
Innovation Solution
An appliance with a base wall featuring at least three interior extension platforms that create a stable, planar foundation, allowing for secure attachment to a support surface using adjustable shims, which prevent tipping and minimize the risk of damage during installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If narrow leveling shims are used to mount appliances on non-level floors, then the appliance can be leveled, but the mounting becomes unstable and the appliance may displace over time
Solution Approach 1:
The base wall is divided into multiple segments including a front leg, rear leg, and side legs, each with its own contact surface. This segmentation allows independent adjustment and stable distribution of the appliance weight across multiple points, preventing the instability caused by single-point shim mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from one-dimensional point contact (single shim) to two-dimensional surface contact (contact surfaces on multiple legs). The contact surfaces extend in multiple directions, creating a stable polygonal footprint that resists displacement and maintains long-term level mounting.
2Ease of operation
If traditional shims are used for leveling, then the appliance can be adjusted to level, but the narrow contact surface causes the appliance to slide down the shim over time
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling system is segmented into multiple contact surfaces on different legs rather than relying on a single narrow shim contact. This distributes the anti-sliding force across multiple stable contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surfaces extend in multiple dimensions beyond the narrow width of traditional shims. The front leg, rear leg, and side legs create a two-dimensional stable base that prevents the appliance from sliding down in any direction.
3Manufacturing precision
If excess shim material is cut off during installation, then the appliance can be properly leveled, but the sharp instrument may damage the appliance's exterior surface
Solution Approach 1:
The base wall is pre-configured with properly sized contact surfaces on all legs during manufacturing. This eliminates the need for post-installation trimming or cutting, thereby preventing surface damage while achieving precise leveling.
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic excess shim material is eliminated from the design. The contact surfaces are precisely manufactured to the required dimensions, extracting away the need for dangerous cutting operations during installation.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and method for easily and permanently leveling an appliance is described. The apparatus involves a modification to the appliance to support shims, and preferably the two-part adjustable leveling shims. Alternatively, a template for affixing two-part adjustable leveling shims is used between the appliance and the mounting surface.