Tile Cutter Base Beam for Stable Breaking Torque

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tile cutters lack an efficient mechanism for supporting the tile during cutting and breaking, leading to uneven cuts and reduced torque application, which affects the accuracy and completeness of the break.

Innovation Solution

The breaker support is screwed onto an upward-facing square tube with a base spar that extends over the entire support body, supported by spring elements and a guide rail arrangement, allowing for vertical movement of the cutting wheel and downward pressure application for torque generation, enabling precise cutting and breaking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the breaker support is attached directly to the feet or base, then the structure is simple, but the tile cutting accuracy and breaking completeness deteriorate due to insufficient support and torque application

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetile cutting accuracyVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is segmented into distinct functional components: feet for stability, a base beam for structural support, support elements for positioning, and a breaker support for breaking action. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity and cutting accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base beam extends vertically above the base at a distance, creating a three-dimensional support framework rather than a flat two-dimensional structure. This vertical dimension provides better leverage for torque application and more stable support for the tile during cutting and breaking operations.

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

2Force

If the base beam extends vertically above the base at a distance, then torque application for breaking is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetorque applicationVSAvoidframe structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple structural functions are merged into the base beam: it serves as a vertical support element, a mounting platform for the breaker support, and a structural connector between the feet and the guide rail assembly. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components needed while maintaining effective torque application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base beam performs multiple functions within a single structural element: providing vertical support, enabling torque application through its elevated position, supporting the breaker support, and serving as part of the overall frame structure. This multi-functionality reduces complexity despite the vertical extension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support elements hold the guide rail assembly and base beam, then the tile support stability is improved, but the number of components increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetile support stabilityVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support elements are positioned asymmetrically at specific locations along the base beam, providing targeted support where needed for stability during cutting and breaking operations. This asymmetric positioning optimizes structural support while minimizing the number of support elements required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

This configuration ensures accurate cutting and complete breaking of tiles by providing consistent support and torque application, enhancing the tile cutter's performance and usability.

Implementation Method 1

the support body rests on spring elements supported by arms projecting laterally from the base beam. The arms extend transversely to the direction of extension of the base beam. The spring elements are formed by compression springs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

During this breaking action, the spring-mounted support elements deflect downwards against the restoring force of the spring elements.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 3

A carriage guided between the two guide rails carries a vertically downward-moving cutting wheel and a V-shaped breaking ram

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

Lowering the breaking mechanism exerts downward pressure on the tile surfaces on both sides of the break notch, generating a torque that causes the tile to break along the notch.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTorque: Torque

Data Source

PatentEP2915644B1Tile cutter with a support frame comprising a base support
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 WOLFCRAFT GMBH
  • EP2915644B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2915644B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2915644B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tile cutter with at least one support body (2) for supporting a tile to be cut, which is supported by a support frame (1) having feet (12), with a guide rail assembly (8) attached to the support frame (1) by means of support elements (4), a carriage (20) movable along the guide rail assembly (8) and comprising a cutting element (2) and a breaking element (23), and with a breaking support (13) attached to the support frame (1) below the guide rail assembly (8). For a further development that is advantageous in use, and in particular to improve the stability and rigidity of the support frame, it is proposed that the breaking support (13) be supported by a base beam (3) arranged below and parallel to the guide rail assembly (8), the base beam being attached at each of its two ends to one of the two support elements (4), which in turn are supported by the feet (12).