Tile Leveling Clip With Lateral Wedge Lock for Multi-Tile Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tile installation methods lack efficient tools for leveling, aligning, and spacing tiles, leading to potential spacing errors, aesthetic issues, and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical-based tile leveling device and wedge device combination, featuring parallel strip members, lateral open windows, and a breakaway section, along with a backstop member and wedge members, to facilitate precise alignment and spacing of tiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional manual tile installation methods are used, then installers can place tiles on the substrate, but alignment and leveling become time-consuming and prone to spacing errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile alignment and leveling precisionVSAvoidtime spent on aligning and leveling tiles

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The leveling device is placed on the substrate before tile installation to establish a predetermined level plane. The device includes a base with multiple feet that can be adjusted to compensate for substrate irregularities, creating a reference plane in advance. Tiles are then placed against this pre-established reference, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual leveling adjustments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The leveling device acts as an intermediary between the substrate and the tiles. It includes a base that contacts the substrate and multiple upright members that extend upward to contact the tiles. This intermediary structure transfers and distributes the leveling force uniformly across multiple tiles, ensuring they are all aligned to the same reference plane without requiring direct manual adjustment of each tile.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate tools are used for spacing, leveling, and aligning tiles, then various functions can be performed, but the number of tools increases and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefunctional capability for spacing, leveling, and aligningVSAvoidnumber of separate tools required

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines multiple tile installation functions into a single integrated device. The leveling device includes a base for spacing, multiple upright members for leveling and aligning, and features for maintaining consistent grout joints. This single device replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate tools such as spacers, levelers, and alignment devices, reducing complexity while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The leveling device is designed with universal applicability to handle various tile installation scenarios. It can accommodate different tile sizes and installation patterns through its adjustable feet and multiple upright members. The device simultaneously performs spacing, leveling, and aligning functions, making it a multi-functional tool that adapts to different installation requirements without needing separate specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If tiles with varying thicknesses are installed, then different tile types can be used, but achieving a level surface becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with varying tile thicknessesVSAvoidlevelness of tile surface

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The leveling device incorporates adjustable feet at different locations on its base, allowing each foot to be independently adjusted to compensate for local variations in substrate flatness and tile thickness. The upright members can also be adjusted individually to accommodate varying tile heights at different positions. This localized adjustment capability ensures that each area can be precisely leveled regardless of variations in tile thickness or substrate irregularities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 device enables efficient leveling and alignment of two to four tiles with varying thicknesses, reducing the number of tools required and minimizing stress on installers, while ensuring proper spacing and mortar penetration.

Implementation Method 1

a tapered surface configured to penetrate the lateral open windows and exerting force against tiles, thereby pressing the tiles against the first and second strip members

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS12546124B2Device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles

Publication Date: 2026.02.10 ACUFLOOR LLC

AI summary

A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.