Configurable Tile Leveler with Break Lines for Modular Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tile levelers are not configurable for different tasks, requiring multiple tools for various applications, which complicates the installation process and increases inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A configurable tile leveler with a modular design featuring a base with break lines and joint spacers, allowing for adjustable positioning and easy separation into sections, and made from organic polymer or plastic materials for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different tile levelers are used for different tasks, then each task can be performed with appropriate tool, but the number of tools increases and installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask-specific functionalityVSAvoidnumber of tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tile leveler is designed with a base comprising multiple break lines that allow the base to be separated into different configurations (e.g., half-sections, quarters) to accommodate various tile sizes and installation scenarios. This multi-functional design enables a single tool to perform multiple tasks that previously required different specialized levelers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base is designed with predetermined break lines that enable it to be divided into smaller sections. This segmentation allows the leveler to be customized for different tile dimensions and installation requirements, providing versatility without requiring multiple complete tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple specialized tile levelers are maintained, then each task has dedicated tool, but storage space increases and tool management becomes inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetask coverageVSAvoidstorage space required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a single leveler base that can be separated into multiple configurations, the invention reduces the number of complete tools needed for storage. The same base can serve multiple tile installation scenarios, thereby reducing total storage space while maintaining comprehensive task coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If non-configurable tile levelers are used, then the tool structure is simple, but the installation process requires multiple tool changes reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation efficiencyVSAvoidleveler configurability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The break lines in the base allow for quick separation into different configurations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms. This simple segmentation approach enables rapid adaptation to different tile sizes during installation, improving productivity without adding significant complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11560724B2Configurable tile leveler

Publication Date: 2023.01.24 EVEN TILE USA LLC

AI summary

For leveling tiles, a tile leveler includes a base, a plurality of joint spacers, and two or more break lines. The brake lines are formed in the base along planar axes. Each joint spacer is within a subdivision distance of a break line. Each joint spacer adjacent to a given break line is on a spacer side of the given break line, and the break lines divide the base into sections.