Frustum Knob with Radial Openings for Tile Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing knobs for leveling spacers in tile laying do not allow visual alignment of tiles and can be difficult to remove after leveling, leading to inefficiencies and increased costs.

Innovation Solution

A frustum-like tubular knob with a central female thread and radial supporting ribs, featuring openings for visual alignment and a lever-like design for easy removal, suitable for both thin and thick tiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a substantially cylindrical knob is used, then the leveling function is achieved, but visual contact with the tile corners for alignment is blocked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual alignment of tilesVSAvoidcylindrical shape of knob

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The knob is divided into a transparent body and distinct alignment indicators (such as colored rings or markers) that are visually separable from the knob structure, allowing the indicators to provide visual feedback without being obscured by the knob's cylindrical shape

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Visual indicators such as colored rings, markers, or transparent sections with contrasting colors are incorporated into or on the knob to enable clear visual alignment of tile corners, making the alignment status immediately distinguishable regardless of the knob's cylindrical form

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

2Ease of operation

If a substantially cylindrical knob is used, then the leveling function is achieved, but removal of the knob after leveling becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveremoval of knobVSAvoidcylindrical shape of knob

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The knob transitions from a symmetric cylindrical shape to an asymmetric design featuring a protrusion or handle element that extends perpendicular to the axis of the threaded stem, providing a mechanical advantage for leverage during removal and breaking the symmetry that causes difficult removal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The protrusion or handle element is designed with curved or ergonomic surfaces that facilitate gripping and application of leverage force, making removal easier compared to a purely cylindrical shape which offers no natural gripping points

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Productivity

If a frustum-like tubular shape with openings is used, then visual alignment and easy removal are achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveefficiency of tile layingVSAvoidstructure of knob

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frustum-like tubular knob integrates multiple functions into a single component: the frustum shape provides leverage for easy removal, the transparent material allows visual alignment verification, and the integrated protrusion serves both as a removal handle and as part of the leveling mechanism, reducing the need for separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3511484B1Knob for a leveling spacer for laying wall tiles, floor tiles and the like

Publication Date: 2021.03.10 PROGRESS PROFILES

Figure 1~3
Figure 4a~5

AI summary

A knob (10) for leveling spacer for laying wall tiles, floor tiles and the like, the spacer being of the type comprising a base (12) with spacing raised portions (22) for the abutment of the edges of corresponding tiles and a stem (13); the knob (10) is provided with circumferential openings (16) on the side wall (17).