Small Frangible Shim With Handle For Fine-Tune Leveling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shims are either too large for fine-tune leveling applications, lack the necessary breakability, or compromise on strength and ease of deployment, making them unsuitable for delicate construction adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A small, wedge-shaped shim with a handle and scored grooves for precise breakage, made from materials like plastic, metal, or ceramic, which provides friction for retention and smooth sliding, allowing for easy manipulation and clean breakage without damaging surrounding elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard-sized shim is used for leveling construction members, then it provides sufficient strength and load-bearing capacity, but it is too large for fine-tune leveling applications and damages delicate construction elements during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The shim is divided into two functional segments: a small working portion (approximately 1 inch in length) for fine-tune leveling applications, and a larger handle portion for manipulation and leverage. This segmentation allows the shim to perform delicate adjustments without damaging construction elements while maintaining ease of operation through the larger handle.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the shim have different properties: the working portion is small and thin for precise placement in tight spaces, while the handle portion is larger and can be scored for controlled breakage. This local differentiation optimizes both the fine-tune leveling capability and the ease of installation.
2Shape
If the protruding portion of the shim is cut or broken off after deployment, then the finished surface becomes flush, but this process is difficult or impossible when construction elements are delicate and easily breakable
Solution Approach 1:
The shim is pre-scored with grooves at predetermined intervals before deployment. These score lines create weak points that allow the protruding handle portion to be easily broken off after the shim is positioned, achieving a flush finished surface without requiring difficult trimming operations on delicate construction elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the shim is made small for delicate applications, then it enables fine-tune leveling, but it becomes difficult to manipulate and insert into position
Solution Approach 1:
The shim combines a small working portion for delicate applications with a larger handle portion for manipulation. The small working portion (approximately 1 inch) maintains integrity of delicate elements, while the larger handle provides sufficient leverage for easy manipulation and insertion into position.
Solution Approach 2:
The handle portion acts as an intermediary that provides mechanical leverage and grip for manipulating the small working portion. This intermediary element enables easy insertion and positioning of the delicate shim without directly handling the small, fragile working portion.
4Ease of operation
If the shim surface is made smooth for easy sliding into position, then insertion is facilitated, but the shim lacks friction to retain it in place once deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The shim surface features local quality variation: one surface is smooth to facilitate easy sliding into position, while the opposite surface has increased friction characteristics to ensure reliable retention once deployed. This differential surface treatment resolves the contradiction between ease of insertion and retention reliability.
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
Enables precise, aesthetic alignment in fine millwork and trim applications by allowing easy insertion and clean breakage of the shim, minimizing the need for caulk and ensuring the integrity of delicate construction elements.
Implementation Method 1
scored grooves for precise breakage
Implementation Method 2
surfaces with properties of both friction to retain the shim in place
Data Source
AI summary
Taught here is a small frangible shim with handle for fine tune leveling which is wedge shaped, and pre-scored to enable an unneeded portion to be easily removed during use. Such shims are used in the construction industry utilized for adjusting the spacing of various construction members. The shim may be fashioned from any suitable material to provide stability, ease of use, and ease of manufacture. Further, the shim contains surfaces with properties of both friction to retain the shim in place once deployed and smoothness to allow the shim to slide easily into position. The shim taught here is small compared with existing shims for use in situations where delicate, fine-tune adjustments of leveling is desired.