Corner shelf installation tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for installing shower corner shelves are complex, laborious, and prone to water damage, as they often require extensive tile cutting and grouting, which can be time-consuming and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A shower corner shelf installation tool with pivotally connected arms, adjustable anchor and leveling members, and a tensioning mechanism, such as a turnbuckle, that temporarily affixes the tool to the corner, allowing for easier shelf placement and adjustment, and a kit including the tool, a shelf, adhesive, and grout for a more efficient installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional shower corner shelf installation methods are used, then the shelf can be installed, but the process is complex and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a corner shelf installation tool as an intermediary device that simplifies the installation process. This tool includes arms with anchor members that grip the corner, a tensioning member to apply force, and a shelf support mechanism, serving as a mediator between the installer and the shelf-wall system to reduce complexity and time
Solution Approach 2:
The installation tool performs preliminary actions by first gripping the corner with anchor members, then applying tension to create a stable framework before the shelf is installed. This preliminary setup eliminates the need for complex tile cutting and grouting steps that would otherwise be required
2Productivity
If conventional installation methods with tile cutting and grouting are used, then the shelf can be installed, but extensive labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
The installation tool acts as a mediator that eliminates the need for labor-intensive tile cutting and grouting operations. The tool's arms and anchor members provide a direct mechanical means to secure the shelf in the corner without requiring extensive manual labor for preparation and finishing work
3Reliability
If conventional installation methods are used, then the shelf can be installed, but water damage risks increase due to grout penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the grouting step entirely from the installation process by using a mechanical installation tool that secures the shelf through anchor members gripping the corner. This eliminates the source of potential water damage (grout holes) while reducing installation complexity through the specialized tool
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a shower corner shelf installation tool that includes a first and second arm that are pivotally connected to one other and are configured to support a shower corner shelf thereon when the shower corner shelf installation tool is in use, the first and second arms each have an upper sidewall connected to a lower sidewall by an outer sidewall positioned there between; anchor members protruding from the outer side wall of each arm that are configured to grip a shower corner to temporarily affix the shower corner shelf installation tool thereto while in use; leveling members extending above the first and second arm that are independently configured to selectively adjust the shower corner shelf during installation; and a tensioning member configured to extend between the first and second arm and apply force to the first and second arms and anchor members while the shower corner shelf installation tool is in use to temporarily affix the shower corner shelf installation tool to shower corner.