T-Shaped Levelling Device for Rigid Cladding Plates
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for levelling rigid cladding plates on surfaces are slow, complicated, and prone to errors due to uneven surfaces, soft adhesive, and unnatural working postures, leading to defective finishes and movement of plates as the adhesive settles.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a T-shaped levelling member with a flat base and a second flat member, a wedge with inclined teeth, and a manual actuation tool with a graduated scale and pusher, allowing for precise levelling and easier handling of cladding plates on variously oriented surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If traditional manual levelling methods are used with spirit levels and rubber mallets, then the levelling process can be performed with simple tools, but the work is slow, complicated, and requires unnatural postures leading to operator fatigue
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a levelling device with a base member, levelling member, and wedge as an intermediary tool between the worker and the cladding plate. This device eliminates the need for unnatural postures by providing a stable working platform with a spirit level, allowing the worker to operate in a natural standing position while achieving precise levelling through the wedge mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The levelling device incorporates a spirit level integrated into the base member that automatically indicates when the cladding plate is properly levelled. This self-checking mechanism eliminates the need for continuous manual measurement and adjustment, allowing the system to self-regulate and significantly improving working efficiency.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the surface to clad is not perfectly flat or lacks horizontality/verticality, then the cladding plates can be placed on various surface conditions, but the plates become easily inclined and uneven during placing and settling
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling device performs preliminary levelling action through the wedge mechanism before the adhesive fully sets. The wedge is inserted into the opening of the levelling member and tapped to adjust the height of the cladding plate, ensuring proper levelling while the adhesive is still workable. This preliminary adjustment prevents inclination and unevenness that would occur during settling.
Solution Approach 2:
The spirit level integrated into the base member provides continuous feedback on the levelling status of the cladding plate. The worker can observe the spirit level indication and make real-time adjustments using the wedge, ensuring the plate remains level even on uneven surfaces. This feedback mechanism maintains levelling accuracy throughout the placing and settling process.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive layer is soft during placing, then the cladding plates can be easily adjusted, but the plates are easily left inclined and uneven providing defective finish
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling device acts as an intermediary tool that provides controlled adjustment capability. The wedge mechanism allows precise, incremental adjustments to the cladding plate position while the adhesive is soft, preventing over-adjustment or accidental inclination. This controlled mediation ensures both ease of adjustment and high finish quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The spirit level provides self-checking capability that allows the worker to independently verify levelling accuracy without external assistance. The worker can make adjustments and immediately check the result through the spirit level, ensuring proper finish quality while the adhesive is still workable, without requiring constant supervision or rework.
4Duration of action of stationary object
If mortar or adhesive contracts during settling, then the bonding process is complete, but movements occur in the plates leading to unstable finish
Solution Approach 1:
The levelling device performs all necessary levelling adjustments through the wedge mechanism before the adhesive fully sets and contracts. By establishing the correct position and level during the working phase, the system prevents subsequent movements that would occur during settling and contraction, ensuring long-term plate stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spirit level provides continuous feedback during the adhesive setting process, allowing the worker to monitor and maintain plate stability. If any movement or inclination occurs during settling, the worker can observe the spirit level and make corrective adjustments before the adhesive fully contracts, preventing unstable finish.
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 device enables faster and more accurate levelling of cladding plates, reducing operator fatigue and improving ergonomic working conditions while ensuring uniform contact and resistance to shearing stresses, resulting in a smoother and more stable finish.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge comprises a settling surface and a working surface, inclined with respect to the settling surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3
AI summary
It allows better ergonomics, higher work speed and higher accuracy. It comprises a T-shaped levelling member (3), a wedge (4) and a first actuation member (5); the levelling member comprising a flat base (6) and a second flat member (8) perpendicular to the base (6) and having a first opening (12), for inserting the wedge (4), and end notches (17); the wedge (4) comprising a settling surface (18), a working surface (19), for tracting the second member (8), and blocking saw-teeth grooves (20); and the first actuation member (5) comprising: a support (22), having a handle (25) and a graduated scale (26); a third support member (23), comprising a guide (30) and first legs (41) having a second opening (33); and a pusher (24), articulated with the support (22) and having a first gripping portion (36) and a second pushing portion (37).