Carpet Tile Lifting Apparatus Wedge Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The removal of carpet tiles glued to a floor is challenging due to the adhesive used, requiring inefficient cutting methods to separate the tiles from the floor.

Innovation Solution

A carpet tile lifting apparatus with a base plate and wing mechanism, driven by a motorized winch, which allows for simultaneous lifting and removal of multiple carpet tiles by sliding underneath and lifting the tiles from the floor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If carpet tiles are glued to the floor using adhesives, then the carpet tiles are securely fixed, but the removal of carpet tiles becomes challenging and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixation of carpet tilesVSAvoidtime required for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the carpet tile from the floor by inserting a wedge-shaped tool between the carpet tile and floor, then using a lifting mechanism to extract and remove the carpet tile without cutting it, thereby resolving the contradiction between secure fixation and easy removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and position parameters of the carpet tile during removal by applying mechanical force through the lifting apparatus, transitioning the carpet tile from a fixed state to a removed state efficiently

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Productivity

If conventional cutting methods are used to remove carpet tiles, then the tiles can be separated from the floor, but the process is inefficient and requires considerable time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval efficiencyVSAvoidtime required for removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional cutting mechanism with a mechanical lifting system that uses a wedge tool and lifting apparatus to physically extract carpet tiles, significantly improving removal efficiency and reducing time required

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent segments the removal process into distinct steps: inserting the wedge tool, engaging the lifting mechanism, and extracting the carpet tile, allowing for systematic and efficient removal of multiple tiles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If multiple carpet tiles are removed one by one using conventional methods, then each tile can be individually handled, but the overall removal process becomes lengthy and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindividual tile handlingVSAvoidremoval speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple removal operations into a single continuous process by using the lifting apparatus to remove multiple carpet tiles in succession without repositioning the tool between tiles, thereby maintaining ease of operation while significantly improving productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12276122B2Carpet tile lifting apparatus and system for removing carpet tiles

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 GNECKOW JR ELWOOD LOUIS

AI summary

A carpet tile lifting apparatus is disclosed comprises a base plate and a base plate cover coupled to each other via a snap-fit locking mechanism. The base plate is provided with a front cutting edge in a form of a pointed spike to slide underneath the carpet tile. The apparatus comprises two wings coupled at either side of the base plate cover. Further, the wings comprise a first blade and a second blade coupled with each other. The apparatus comprises a housing coupled with the at least one wing. The housing encloses a plurality of wheels coupled to the housing via a first shaft. The first shaft is coupled to a first gear. The apparatus comprises at least one spiked roller coupled with the second shaft and interlocked between the first end and the second end of the housing.