Grout line squeegee tool
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Solution Overview
Problem
Construction workers face difficulties in efficiently cleaning tile bonding compound from both the face and spaces between tiles using traditional tools, which often require multiple tools for different types of compounds and can redistribute excess compound, complicating the process.
Innovation Solution
A multi-functional tool with an elongated handle and a tool head featuring an arcuate foam scrubber for tile faces and arcuate elastomeric wipers for spaces between tiles, allowing simultaneous removal of excess compound from both areas.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional single-function tools are used to clean tile bonding compound, then the tool structure is simple, but multiple tools are required for different cleaning tasks (tile faces and grout lines)
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple cleaning tools (face wiper and grout line squeegee) into a single integrated tool head assembly. The tool head includes a first tool for wiping tile faces and a second tool for cleaning grout lines, both mounted on a common handle structure, allowing workers to perform multiple cleaning functions with one tool rather than switching between separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The tool head is designed as a multi-functional device that can simultaneously or alternatively perform different cleaning tasks. The first tool addresses excess compound on tile faces while the second tool cleans grout lines, making the single tool universal for both common tile cleaning needs without requiring separate specialized tools.
2Productivity
If separate tools are used for tile face cleaning and grout line cleaning, then each tool can be optimized for its specific function, but the cleaning process requires multiple tools and increases operation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the face cleaning tool and grout line cleaning tool into a single handheld device, the worker can clean both tile faces and grout lines in one continuous motion without putting down or switching tools, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through a unified ergonomic handle design.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional wipers are used to remove excess tile bonding compound, then the tool structure is simple, but excess compound is redistributed back onto tile faces
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a traditional wiper that pushes compound around, the patent employs a squeegee-style second tool with a rigid blade that scrapes and collects excess compound into a single direction toward the edge of the tile set, preventing redistribution by inverting the traditional wiping motion and mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for cleaning a tile bonding compound from between and on a plurality of adjacent tiles includes an elongated handle and a tool head fixed with the handle. The tool head is comprised of a first tool and a second tool. The first tool includes a foam scrubber and a seam scrubber or wiper. The second tool includes at least one arcuate elastomeric wiper and a seam wiper. Both the foam scrubber and elastomeric wiper are adapted for scrubbing the tile bonding compound from a front face of the adjacent tiles, while the seam scrubber and seam wiper are adapted for fitting between two of the adjacent tiles to scrub the tile bonding compound from between the tiles.