Leveling Spacer Device With Friction-Differentiated Protection Ring Nut
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leveling spacer devices for laying sheet-like products, such as tiles, often scratch the tiles during the final tightening steps and can cause uneven gaps due to centrifugal force, and the use of ring nuts to mitigate these issues adds complexity and obscures the visibility of adhesive excess.
Innovation Solution
A leveling spacer device with a protection ring nut that has a first surface for contact with the presser and a second surface with a higher sliding friction coefficient for contact with the tiles, preventing scratching and allowing mutual sliding rotation without obstructing the view of adhesive excess.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a presser is used to level tiles during the final tightening steps, then the tiles are leveled and positioned coplanarly, but the rubbing exerted by the presser scratches the exposed surface of the tiles
Solution Approach 1:
A protection ring nut is introduced as an intermediary element between the presser and the tile surface. The ring nut has a first surface that contacts the presser and a second surface that contacts the tile, allowing the presser to exert leveling force without directly scratching the tile surface. This mediator transfers the mechanical action while protecting the vulnerable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The protection ring nut exhibits different surface properties at different locations: the first surface (contacting the presser) has lower friction to allow sliding, while the second surface (contacting the tile) has higher friction to prevent scratching and maintain tile surface integrity. This local differentiation of surface quality resolves the contradiction between effective pressing and surface protection.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a ring nut is used to prevent scratching, then tile surface protection is improved, but the insertion process requires additional time and the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The protection function and the structural component are merged into a single ring nut element. Rather than adding a separate protection layer to an existing presser, the protection function is integrated directly into the ring nut that is already part of the leveling device, eliminating the need for additional separate components or steps.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a ring nut with a shaped through hole is used for anti-rotation function, then the ring nut is firmly fixed to the tiles, but the sight of the gap is occluded and excess adhesive cannot be verified
Solution Approach 1:
The ring nut design differentiates between regions: the shaped through hole provides localized anti-rotation stability where needed, while the majority of the ring nut structure remains transparent or open to allow visual inspection of the gap and adhesive. This local differentiation maintains both stability and visibility.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the second surface of the protection ring nut has high friction coefficient, then the ring nut prevents rotation on the tile surface, but the presser cannot slide efficiently during tightening
Solution Approach 1:
The protection ring nut has differentiated surface friction characteristics: the first surface (contacting the presser) has lower friction to enable efficient sliding during tightening operations, while the second surface (contacting the tile) has higher friction to prevent rotation. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between sliding efficiency and anti-rotation stability.
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
The solution effectively prevents tile scratching and maintains even gaps while allowing for efficient adhesive removal before hardening, simplifying the installation process and ensuring accurate alignment.
Implementation Method 1
the second surface (or the interface between the second surface and the exposed surface of the sheet-like products) has a sliding friction coefficient greater than a sliding friction coefficient of the first surface (or the interface between the first surface and the presser)
Data Source
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AI summary
A leveling spacer device (10) for laying sheet-like products (P) for the coating of surfaces which comprises: - a base (20), which may be positioned at the rear of a laying surface of at least two sheet-like products (P) being adjacent and placed side-by-side relative to a side-by-side direction (A); - a separator element (30) rising from said base (20) angled relative thereto and suitable for sliding between the facing side walls of said two sheet-like products (P) placed side by side; - a threaded stem (40) rising from the separator element (30) with a screw axis (B) orthogonal to the base (20); - a presser (50) that can be screwed onto the threaded stem (40) and - an anti-sliding protection ring nut (60) suitable for being interposed between the presser (50) and the base (20), wherein the protection ring nut (60) comprises a first surface (610) facing towards the presser (50) and configured to come into contact therewith and a second opposing surface (611) facing towards the base (20), wherein the second surface (611) has a sliding friction coefficient greater than a sliding friction coefficient of the first surface (610).