Fold-Line Levelling Tie Rod for Grout-Line Emergency Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing levelling tie rods often break during assembly, requiring dismantling and reassembly, leading to material and labor waste, and there are no universal tie rods adaptable to different levelling systems for emergency use.
Innovation Solution
A universal levelling tie rod made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic with a fold line, allowing it to be inserted between tiles without removal, adapting to various levelling spacer types and systems, and capable of snapping into position using elastic yielding properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional levelling tie rod is used, then the levelling operation can be performed, but the tie rod breaks when it comes under pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The tie rod is divided into two separate parts: a first part that remains fixed to the initial levelling spacer, and a second part that can be independently inserted and activated. This segmentation allows the second part to be added only when needed, preventing premature breakage while avoiding complete dismantling of the assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the tie rod is pre-installed and fixed to the initial levelling spacer during the initial levelling operation. This preliminary action ensures that the foundation is prepared in advance, so when emergency levelling is needed, only the second part needs to be added, significantly reducing the time and effort required compared to complete dismantling and reassembly.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tie rod is inserted late in the levelling process, then emergency corrections can be made, but the tile must be dismantled first
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tie rod into two parts, the second part can be inserted through the grout line without removing the tile. The first part remains anchored to the spacer, providing a secure foundation, while the second part is specifically designed to be added later through minimal access points.
Solution Approach 2:
The grout line serves as an intermediary pathway that allows the second part of the tie rod to be inserted between the tile and the substrate without dismantling the tile assembly. This intermediary access point enables late-stage intervention while maintaining the integrity of the installed tile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a special emergency tie rod system is used, then emergency repairs can be performed, but the system is not adaptable to different levelling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The first part of the tie rod is designed with a universal interface that can be attached to various types of initial levelling spacers (wedge-type, screw-type, or other mechanisms). This universal design allows the same emergency tie rod system to work with different levelling methodologies without requiring system-specific components, reducing overall complexity while maintaining versatility.
4Strength
If the tie rod is made rigid, then it provides structural strength, but it cannot be inserted through the grout line
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the tie rod into two parts allows each segment to be optimized for its specific function. The first part can be rigid for structural strength, while the second part can be designed with flexibility or modular components that enable insertion through the constrained grout line space.
Solution Approach 2:
The second part of the tie rod can incorporate dynamic elements such as flexible sections, telescopic components, or adjustable geometry that allow it to navigate the insertion path through the grout line. Once inserted and positioned, these dynamic elements can lock into a rigid configuration to provide the necessary structural strength.
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
Reduces labor costs and time by enabling quick emergency repairs and completion of levelling operations without dismantling, using the same pressure means as initial levelling, and ensuring secure anchoring.
Implementation Method 1
said tie rod is made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic material with elastic yielding properties to facilitate the movement of the base relative to the septum between said first, second and third positions
Data Source
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AI summary
Levelling tie rod for the laying of slab elements comprising: at least one septum configured to: be joined to a base by means of a surface with a narrow cross-section, rise from said base, contact only one of the two facing sides of two adjacent and aligned slab elements, with respect to an alignment direction; a base configured to: be positioned below the lower surface of at least two adjacent slab elements, be inserted inside a previously prepared grout line, move from a first non-use position in which it lies substantially orthogonal to said at least one septum to a second position in which it is substantially parallel to said at least one septum when inserted inside a grout line placed between two adjacent slab elements and snap back into a position orthogonal to said at least one septum when placed below the lower surface of at least two adjacent slab elements; at least one fold line configured to define the movement between said first, second and third positions of the base.