Tile Assembly Using Stretchable Film for Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for assembling and transporting tiles using a single narrow strap are prone to instability, breakage, and cause trauma due to weight and sharpness, leading to tile damage and inefficient handling and storage.

Innovation Solution

A method and device using a layer of stretchable and/or shrinkable film to surround tiles, which is wound around them to provide stability, reduce weight, and allow for easy tearing and compacting, ensuring secure handling and transport.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a single narrow strap is used to assemble tiles, then the assembly structure is simple, but the tiles become unstable and the strap is prone to breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidtile stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the rigid narrow strap with a flexible stretchable film that can be elastically deformed. This film surrounds and secures the tiles while accommodating their instability, providing continuous contact and distribution of binding forces across multiple tiles without requiring a complex multi-component assembly structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes changes in the physical state of the binding material by employing stretchable film that can be elastically deformed. The film transitions from a relaxed state to a stretched state during application, then relaxes to maintain constant pressure on the tiles, dynamically adjusting to maintain stability without structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of manufacture

If a single narrow strap is used to assemble tiles, then the assembly process is simple, but the strap causes tile degradation due to concentrated stresses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly processVSAvoidtile degradation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible stretchable film distributes binding forces across its entire surface area contacting the tiles, rather than concentrating stress at a single narrow point. This elastic film conforms to the tile surfaces and spreads mechanical stresses evenly, preventing localized degradation while maintaining assembly simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Device complexity

If a narrow strap is used to assemble tiles, then the assembly link is simple, but it causes trauma to operators during handling and waste management

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly linkVSAvoidoperator trauma

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stretchable film replaces the rigid narrow strap with a flexible material that can be easily manipulated, cut, and disposed of. The film's flexibility allows operators to handle it safely without risk of injury from sharp edges or rigid structures, and it can be readily compacted for waste management.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Device complexity

If a narrow strap is used to assemble tiles, then the assembly structure is simple, but the strap has high weight and requires tools for cutting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly structureVSAvoidassembly link weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The stretchable film is significantly lighter than traditional rigid straps while maintaining assembly functionality. Its flexible nature allows it to be handled more easily and reduces the overall weight of the assembly system, eliminating the need for heavy cutting tools while still allowing for easy separation when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution enhances tile stability, reduces storage volume, and minimizes waste handling risks while allowing for easy manual tearing and compacting of the film, improving handling and transport efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

surrounding these tiles with at least one layer of a stretchable and/or shrinkable film

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2206651B1Method and device for assembling a plurality of tiles

Publication Date: 2011.08.17 SOC DETUD & CONSTR MECANIQUE GENERALE & DAUTOMATISME

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AI summary

The method involves wrapping a layer of a retractable and/or stretchable film around assemblies (4, 4', 4'') of tiles (3), and bringing the film over a part of the assemblies of the film. The film is maintained with respect to the tiles to be assembled. The assemblies of the tiles are rotated around a horizontal axis parallel to an axis of a roller, where the horizontal axis is located perpendicular to an extension direction of the film for rolling the layer of the film around the assemblies of the tiles. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a device for assembling multiple tiles, comprising a receiving unit (2) a tiles conditioning installation comprising a device for assembling multiple tiles.