Floorboard Gap Fixing Tool with Adhesive Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for fixing gaps between floating laminate floor planks are time-consuming, damaging to the floor and wall molding, require removal of wall baseboards, and often result in incomplete or noticeable repairs due to the need for forceful movement of multiple planks and the use of fillers that restrict plank expansion.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, resilient gap fixing tool with a tubular base member and adhesive pad that attaches to individual planks, allowing for targeted force application without removing wall baseboards, using end caps for striking and minimizing force required to close gaps between adjacent planks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall base board molding is removed to access the end of the row for gap fixing, then the gap can be closed using traditional tools, but the process becomes time-consuming and may cause damage to the molding, wall, or flooring planks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gap fixing tool with a flange that acts as an intermediary device. The flange can be positioned at the end of the row without requiring removal of the wall base board molding. The tool includes a base member with a flange that contacts the end grain of the floor plank, allowing force to be applied to close the gap while the molding remains in place on the wall.
2Productivity
If force is applied to move the entire row of planks to close the gap, then the gap is closed, but chipping or damage occurs to the floor plank where force is initially exerted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the force application point. The tool's base member with flange is designed to contact only the end grain of the specific floor plank where the gap needs to be closed, rather than requiring force to be applied to move the entire row. This localized force application prevents chipping or damage to other planks in the row.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If filler compound is used to fill gaps between floor planks, then the gap is filled, but the planks cannot expand and contract with humidity changes leading to buckling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent takes out the problematic filler compound from the solution entirely. Instead of filling the gap with compound that would prevent natural plank movement, the invention uses a mechanical tool to physically close the gap by applying force to move the plank edge, allowing the gap to be eliminated while maintaining the planks' ability to expand and contract with humidity changes.
4Productivity
If traditional gap fixing tools are used that require removal of wall base board molding, then gap closure is possible, but special tools and skills are required and damage may occur during the process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal tool that combines multiple functions. The gap fixing tool includes a base member with a flange that can be positioned without removing molding, adhesive application capability, and force application mechanism. This multi-functional tool eliminates the need for special skills related to molding removal and reattachment, making gap fixing accessible to homeowners without specialized construction knowledge.
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 tool allows for efficient, damage-free closure of gaps between floating floorboards, eliminating the need for wall baseboard removal and filler compounds, reducing the effort needed to close gaps and ensuring the planks can expand and contract without damage.
Implementation Method 1
An adhesive pad is affixed to the bottom surface
Data Source
AI summary
A tool that lessens or eliminated gaps between adjacent floorboards of a floating floor includes a tubular base member, a pair of end caps attached at distal ends of the base member, and an adhesive pad affixed to a bottom surface of the base member. The adhesive pad removably adheres to one (1) of the floorboards adjacent a gap and the end caps are configured to receive a striking force that transfers the force to the base member and subsequently the floorboard in the direction of the gap.