Self-cleaning Tile Grout Applicator with Ratchet Drive and Scraper
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for spreading mortar between tiles are expensive, bulky, require laborious maintenance, and do not fully utilize available technologies, leading to inefficiencies and operator health issues such as bursitis.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical device with a rectangular frame, drive wheel, and ratchet gear system for precise and efficient spreading of acrylic, silicone, or soft cementitious paste, equipped with an orientable dispenser, nebulizer, spatula, and microfiber pulley roller for effective material application and cleaning, with state-of-the-art sensors and replaceable components for ease of use and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual sponging method is used to remove excess plaster, then excess plaster can be removed from tile surface, but the procedure is laborious and time consuming and causes operator health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical sponging action with an automated mechanical scraping system. A scraper element mounted on the mortar application element automatically removes excess mortar through mechanical action, eliminating the need for manual sponging operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-service by automatically removing excess mortar during the application process. The scraper element is integrated into the mortar application element, allowing the system to clean itself without requiring separate manual intervention.
2Productivity
If conventional screwdriver is used to scrape mortar, then excess plaster can be removed, but only a small amount can be removed at a time due to small flat area on tip
Solution Approach 1:
The scraper element is designed with a broad surface that can handle multiple functions: scraping excess mortar, smoothing the applied mortar, and cleaning the tile surface. This multi-functional design replaces the need for multiple separate tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from the one-dimensional tip of a conventional screwdriver to a two-dimensional broad scraper surface. This dimensional expansion allows significantly more mortar to be removed and smoothed in a single pass, dramatically increasing productivity.
3Productivity
If triangular shaped metal scraper head is used, then concrete can be removed effectively, but the device is expensive and bulky with laborious maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The mortar application element is designed as a separable, modular component that can be easily detached from the main device. This segmentation allows the scraper element to be replaced independently without disassembling the entire device, simplifying maintenance and reducing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The scraper element is designed as a simple, inexpensive component that can be easily replaced when worn or damaged. This approach eliminates the need for complex repair mechanisms and reduces overall device complexity and maintenance costs.
Data Source
AI summary
Self-cleaning device for applying material between the grout lines of tiles (100) adapted to spread and model, in a practical and precise manner, material of acrylic, silicone and/or soft cementitious paste type in order to create grout lines, joints or mortar; said self-cleaning device for applying material between the grout lines of tiles (100) adapted to speed up the operations for implementation and to reduce to a minimum the force exerted by the operator, protecting him/her from possible professional pathologies. It comprises a telescopic rod (10), engaged at the center of the frame (11), adapted to allow the user to easily move the invention, with minimum force; said telescopic rod (10) having the lower end connected to the drive wheel (12) by means of a ratchet gear system (13), in a manner such to allow the invention to only take on a forward motion;