Rail Profile System Embedded in Tile Adhesive to Avoid Screw Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing profile systems for attaching objects to walls with panel cladding require screws, which damage the surface seal and limit load capacity due to localized support.

Innovation Solution

A profile system with a rail profile that integrates into tile adhesive, featuring a receiving groove and pivoting plug-in element, and a load-carrying element that distributes force evenly, eliminating the need for screws and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the rail profile is attached to the wall using screws, then the rail profile can be securely fixed to the wall, but the surface waterproofing is damaged and the appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidsurface seal damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing legs are embedded in the tile adhesive or thin-bed mortar during the tiling process itself, before the tiles are laid. This preliminary action allows the rail profile to be integrated into the wall structure without requiring subsequent drilling or screw installation that would damage the waterproofing membrane or tile surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tile adhesive or thin-bed mortar serves as an intermediary substance that bonds the fixing legs to the wall structure. This intermediary material allows for secure mechanical attachment while maintaining the integrity and continuity of the surface waterproofing layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If the plug-in element is supported only at specific points or along a line by the rail profile, then the structure remains simple, but the load-bearing capacity is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support transitions from point or line contact to surface contact by introducing a load-bearing element with a groove that interfaces with the holding section. This dimensional change from 0D/1D to 2D contact area significantly increases the load-bearing capacity while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The contact area between the plug-in element and the support structure is increased by changing the geometric parameters of the interface. The groove in the load-bearing element and the corresponding holding section create a larger contact surface, distributing forces more effectively and increasing load capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3730016B1Profile system
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 SCHLUTER SYST KG
  • EP3730016B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3730016B1 patent drawingFigure 3~9
  • EP3730016B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Profile system (1) for attaching objects to a room wall covered with a panel, comprising at least one rail profile (2) and at least one plug-in element (3) designed to be directly and detachably plugged into the rail profile (2).