Elastic Wedge Spacer for Height-Adaptive Edging Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshold bars and edging elements face challenges in aesthetics, adaptability to varying heights, and reliable gluing methods, leading to high manufacturing costs and storage difficulties, as well as issues with adhesive thickness and cohesion over time.
Innovation Solution
A border element system featuring an elongated section with adhesive portions, wedges with elastically deformable jaws, and a clip-shaped head, allowing for easy gluing and adaptation to different heights, combined with a sliding mechanism for nail or dowel installation, enabling use as both a threshold bar and curb stop.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional glued edging elements are used, then installation is simple, but adhesive thickness causes aesthetic problems and cohesion failure over time
Solution Approach 1:
The edging element is divided into multiple sections with individual adhesive portions, allowing each section to be independently secured without requiring thick continuous adhesive layers. This segmentation enables reliable bonding while maintaining aesthetic appearance by reducing visible adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
Wedges are positioned beforehand to provide mechanical support and alignment before adhesive application. This preliminary mechanical securing allows the adhesive to be applied in thinner, more controlled layers, improving both aesthetics and reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of edging elements are manufactured to adapt to varying heights, then adaptability improves, but manufacturing costs and storage complexities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The edging element incorporates adjustable components such as wedges and compressible adhesive portions that can be modified during installation to accommodate different height requirements. This dynamic adjustability eliminates the need for multiple fixed-height product variants.
Solution Approach 2:
A single edging element design serves multiple height requirements through adjustable features, making it a universal solution that replaces multiple specialized products. The element can be adapted to function as both threshold bar and curb stop.
3Reliability
If adhesive portions are applied thickly to ensure cohesion, then reliability improves, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive system is segmented into multiple discrete adhesive portions distributed along the edging element. This segmentation allows each portion to be applied in thin, aesthetically pleasing layers while collectively providing sufficient cohesion through cumulative bonding strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive portions are applied as thin films or layers rather than thick masses. These thin adhesive films maintain aesthetic appearance by being visually imperceptible while providing reliable bonding when distributed across multiple segments.
4Strength
If traditional nail installation methods are used, then mechanical strength is achieved, but installation complexity increases due to hole preparation and alignment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive bonding system is merged with optional mechanical reinforcement elements. The adhesive provides primary bonding strength while eliminating the need for complex hole preparation and alignment procedures associated with traditional nail installation.
Solution Approach 2:
Adhesive portions serve as an intermediary bonding medium that simplifies the installation process. Instead of requiring direct mechanical fastening through holes and nails, the adhesive mediator provides reliable bonding while allowing for simpler installation procedures.
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
The system provides a reliable, aesthetically versatile, and cost-effective solution for edge elements that can be easily installed on surfaces of varying heights, reducing manufacturing costs and storage complexities while maintaining a clean appearance.
Implementation Method 1
comprising on the lower face two adhesive portions extending longitudinally
Implementation Method 2
at least the first jaw of each wedge is elastically deformable to temporarily close the head at least in the vicinity of its opening
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7~8
AI summary
The spacer (9) has a foot resting on ground, and a clamp-shaped head opened opposite the foot, where the spacer is formed as a single piece using plastic material. The head is equipped with two jaws that are directed vertically and have different lengths. An opening of the head receives an adhesive portion (62) of an edging element (5) that is formed of an elongated section. One of the jaws is deformable elastically to temporarily close the head at a vicinity of the opening. The foot is equipped with a rupture zone (922). Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) an edging element system comprising an elongated section (2) a method for installing an edging element system.