Rotary Form Tool for Adjustable Shower Base Slope Formation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for forming a properly sloped shower base are labor-intensive and dependent on skilled artisans, lacking efficiency and versatility for forming drain pans of various lengths and widths.

Innovation Solution

A rotary mounted form tool with a height-adjustable support structure, comprising a central mount affixed to the drain flange and riser, a length-adjustable form arm, and a height-adjustable support structure with stabilizing elements, allows for precise formation of pre-shower slopes and shower pans, enabling easy adjustment for different dimensions and angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual methods are used to form shower bases, then flexibility in creating custom shapes is maintained, but labor intensity and skill dependency increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidskill dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The forming tool is self-adjusting through its mechanical linkage system. The form arm automatically positions itself to create the correct slope geometry when the support structure height is adjusted, eliminating the need for skilled manual shaping while maintaining consistent code-compliant grades.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical shaping with a mechanical forming tool that uses a rotating form arm guided by a height-adjustable support structure. This mechanical system automatically creates properly sloped shower bases without requiring artisan skill.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-dimension shower pans are used, then installation simplicity is improved, but adaptability to various shower stall sizes is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtool configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The form arm length is made adjustable along its longitudinal axis, allowing the tool to adapt to different shower pan dimensions. The support structure height is also adjustable, enabling the system to create properly sloped bases for various shower stall sizes while maintaining a single versatile tool design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If pre-sloped mortar elements are formed manually, then proper drainage slope can be achieved, but labor time and consistency vary by artisan skill

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslope accuracyVSAvoidformation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mortar shaping process is replaced with a mechanical forming tool that rotates a form arm through mortar to create consistently sloped surfaces. The mechanical system ensures code-compliant drainage slopes are achieved uniformly regardless of artisan skill level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The tool uses adjustable parameters including form arm length, support structure height, and rotation speed to optimize the forming process. These parameter adjustments allow the system to maintain precise slope accuracy while reducing formation time through efficient mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS10858849B2Tool and method for forming shower base elements

Publication Date: 2020.12.08 BAUTISTA LUIS

AI summary

A tool and a method for creating a base element for a shower installation are disclosed. Specifically, the tool relates to a multi-level, rotary mounted form arm and an edge support for forming mortar into a properly sloped shower base.