Grooved Tile Support Pedestal for Secure Drainage Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for installing rigid tiles on surfaces such as outdoor decks, façades, and roofs face challenges in securely and efficiently supporting the tiles while allowing for drainage and flexibility in installation.
Innovation Solution
A tile and support structure system comprising joists, support structures, and tiles that allow for secure engagement and sliding installation, with features like grooves and protrusions for drainage and adjustable pedestals for varying surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If rigid tiles are installed on surfaces such as outdoor decks, façades, and roofs, then the tiles provide durable and aesthetically pleasing surfaces, but the installation systems face challenges in securely supporting the tiles while allowing for drainage and flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components including pedestals, adjustment mechanisms, and attachment elements that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the system to securely support tiles while maintaining simplicity through standardized, interchangeable parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal incorporates an adjustment mechanism that enables dynamic height adjustment to accommodate varying surface conditions. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring completely different support structures, thereby maintaining reliability while controlling complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the tile support structure includes features for drainage and flexibility, then the system becomes more adaptable to various installation conditions, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides height adjustment, drainage capability through integrated channels, and secure tile attachment. This universal design allows a single component to handle multiple installation requirements without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rigid tile and the variable support surface, mediating the differences in height and alignment. This intermediary component enables adaptability to various installation conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through a dedicated adjustment interface.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable pedestals are used for varying surfaces, then the installation can accommodate different surface conditions, but the manufacturing and installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal incorporates an adjustment mechanism that changes the height parameter to accommodate varying surface conditions. By designing a mechanism that adjusts a single critical parameter (height) through standardized components, the system achieves surface adaptability while maintaining ease of manufacture through repeated use of the same adjustment components.
Data Source
AI summary
A support structure for tile comprising a pair of flanges separated by and extending outward from the spine of the support structure each with an upper most planar surface. Where the tile comprises of a first face that is entirely planar, a second face that is entirely planar that is opposite the first face, a plurality of side edges extending between the first face and the second face with each of the plurality of side edges being square with respect to the first face and the second face, and a groove formed in at least one of the plurality of side edges. The groove of the at least one of the plurality of edges of the tile is configured for engagement by the first support structure rail of the support structure. The second face of the tile rests on the upper most planar surface of one of the pair of flanges.