Tile Knob With Blocking Element For Rapid Rod Decoupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile alignment devices require time-consuming and labor-intensive processes for decoupling the threaded rod from the threaded conduit, leading to increased labour costs and inefficiencies in reusing and recycling the alignment device.
Innovation Solution
The design of a knob that allows for rapid and easy decoupling of the threaded rod from the threaded conduit without the need for unscrewing, using a mechanism with first and second fixing means that can change arrangements to enable insertion and extraction without tools, and a blocking element for ergonomic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the threaded rod is coupled to the threaded conduit by screwing, then the alignment device can be securely assembled, but the decoupling process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into a threaded rod, a threaded conduit, and a separate blocking element. This segmentation allows the blocking element to be independently manipulated to control the engagement and disengagement of the threaded components, enabling rapid decoupling without unscrewing.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element acts as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the threaded rod and threaded conduit. When removed, it allows the threaded rod to be quickly extracted from the threaded conduit without the need for unscrewing, thus reducing decoupling time while maintaining secure connection during use.
2Strength
If the threaded rod must be unscrewed manually or with pliers, then the connection can be securely made, but additional tools and manual effort are required
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element serves as a mediator that simplifies the decoupling operation. By removing this intermediate component, the threaded rod can be freely extracted from the threaded conduit without requiring manual unscrewing or pliers, significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows the alignment device to be decoupled through a simple removal action rather than requiring external tools like pliers. The threaded rod is designed to be extractable once the blocking element is removed, enabling the system to serve itself without additional tooling.
3Reliability
If the alignment device is designed for secure assembly, then the tile alignment function is reliable, but the recycling and reuse process becomes inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element is separated from the main alignment components, allowing it to be independently removed and reused. This segmentation enables rapid disassembly and recycling of the alignment device while maintaining the reliability of the threaded connection during actual tile laying operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocking element is designed to be temporarily used and then easily removed for recovery and reuse. After the threaded rod is extracted from the threaded conduit, the blocking element can be recovered and reused in the next alignment operation, improving recycling efficiency without compromising the reliability of the alignment function.
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 9~12
Figure 13~17
AI summary
A knob 40 is described, couplable by screwing, to a spacer-leveller of tiles for together defining a tile alignment device for laying the tiles on flat surfaces. The knob (40) comprises: a body (9), elastically-deformable connection means (12, 13) which originate from the body (9) of the knob (40); a first and a second fixing element (14, 15), comprising relative threaded slots (16), supported by the connection means and arrangeable in a first arrangement wherein the threaded rod (6) of a separator member (7) for tiles can be inserted and de-inserted to and from the threaded slots (16) without screwing or unscrewing in a second arrangement in which the insertion and de-insertion of the rod takes place only by screwing or unscrewing; a blocking element (17), separated from the body (9) of the knob (40), for elastically deforming the connection means in order to be able to change the arrangement of the first and second fixing elements (14, 15) with the purpose of: inserting the rod between the threaded slots (16) of the first and second fixing means without screw-tightening thereof, screwing the knob (40) to the threaded rod (6) with the fixing elements in the second arrangement in order to align the tiles; de-inserting the threaded rod (6), without screwing the rod (6).