Mechanical Edge Joint for Grout-Free Decorative Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tiling techniques require an underlying substrate and often use grout, limiting the shapes and structures of decorative bodies and aesthetics they can achieve.
Innovation Solution
A mechanically attached edge system that connects decorative bodies without a substrate, using an inner support body with flanges and an outer body with an internal channel, along with a fastener to create a seamless and adjustable connection, eliminating the need for grout.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional tiling techniques are used with mortar and grout, then decorative bodies can be securely attached to a substrate, but the system requires an underlying substrate and grout which limits shape flexibility and aesthetic options
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the attachment function into separate modular components: L-brackets with flanges for substrate attachment, edge systems for positioning, and fasteners for securing decorative bodies. This segmentation eliminates the need for continuous mortar and grout while maintaining secure attachment and enabling various shapes and configurations.
2Shape
If grout is used to fill spaces between decorative bodies, then gaps are filled and a finished look is achieved, but the use of grout is required which may not be desired for certain aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the grout component from the traditional tiling system. Instead of filling gaps with grout, the system uses precisely positioned edge systems and L-brackets to create clean, gap-free joints between decorative bodies, providing a finished appearance without requiring grout and enabling diverse aesthetic options.
3Strength
If decorative bodies are mounted on an underlying substrate using mortar, then firm securement is achieved, but the requirement for a substrate constrains the types of shapes and structures that can be created
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into discrete L-bracket units that can be independently positioned and attached to various substrates or structural elements. This modular approach provides strong securement at each attachment point while allowing the overall structure to take on diverse shapes and configurations not constrained by continuous mortar application.
Solution Approach 2:
The L-brackets provide attachment in three-dimensional space with flanges extending in multiple directions, enabling securement on various surfaces and orientations. This dimensional flexibility allows creation of complex shapes and structures that go beyond flat wall or floor installations.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge system for joining a first decorative body with a second decorative body includes an inner support body having a first support flange positionable adjacent the first decorative body and a second support flange positionable adjacent the second decorative body. An attachment truss extends between the first and second support flanges. The edge system additionally includes an outer body having an internal channel formed therein, with the outer body being configured to be placeable between the first decorative body and the second decorative body. The edge system further comprises a fastener having a head portion and a shaft portion, with the head portion being translatably receivable within the internal channel of the outer body. The shaft portion is sized to extend from the head portion to the inner support body to facilitate connection between the outer body and the inner support body.