Elastic Joint Divider for Uniform Stone Facade Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching or laying stone or slab-shaped facade elements and floor coverings require complex calculations and measurements to achieve uniform joint patterns, making the process labor-intensive and prone to errors, as they cannot effectively account for construction tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A device with at least two placeholder elements connected via an elastic element allows for adjustable joint widths, enabling easy division of routes into equal sections by stretching the elastic element to achieve uniform distances, which can be fixed temporarily to ensure accurate placement and distribution of stone or slab formats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex calculations and measurements are performed to achieve uniform joint patterns, then manufacturing precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter of joint width dynamically by using an elastic element that can be stretched to compensate for construction tolerances. This allows the joint width to be adjusted as a variable parameter rather than a fixed value, enabling uniform joint patterns without complex calculations
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-adjustment through the elastic element's inherent properties. When stretched between two points, the elastic element automatically distributes the distance into equal sections, eliminating the need for external calculations or measurements by the user
2Ease of operation
If fixed joint widths are specified, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision deteriorates due to inability to account for construction tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed joint width specification into a dynamic system where the elastic element can stretch and adapt. The joint width becomes a dynamic parameter that automatically adjusts to accommodate construction tolerances while maintaining uniform distribution, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and precision
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual measurements and calculations are performed, then adaptability to different construction scenarios is improved, but productivity decreases due to labor-intensive process
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs the adaptive adjustment automatically through the elastic element's physical properties. When stretched, it self-calculates and self-distributes the distance into equal sections, providing adaptability to different construction scenarios without requiring manual intervention, thereby increasing productivity
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution simplifies the process of determining layer heights and joint widths, allowing for efficient and error-reduced placement of stone or slab elements by accommodating construction tolerances and ensuring a uniform joint pattern, thereby reducing manual effort and increasing precision.
Implementation Method 1
at least two placeholder elements (1) connected via at least one elastic element (2)... the elastic element (2) is stretchable so that the dimension in the longitudinal direction of the device is variable
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for dividing a path into equal sections, in particular for determining layer heights and/or joint widths when installing stone- or slab-shaped facade elements or when laying stone- or slab-shaped floor coverings. The method uses a device comprising at least two placeholder elements (1) connected via at least one elastic element (2).The method comprises the following steps: - placing the device against a surface, whereby a first end of the device and/or an end of a placeholder element (1) arranged in this end region is brought into contact with a starting point of a section to be divided, - aligning the device parallel to the section to be divided, - fixing the first end of the device and/or the placeholder element (1) arranged in this end region to the surface, for example by simply pressing it down, - pulling on the opposite end of the device parallel to the section to be divided, whereby the other end of the device and/or an end of a placeholder element (1) preferably arranged in this end region is brought into contact with an endpoint of the section.