Tile Leveling Tool Adjustable Spacers Uneven Surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of tiles on uneven surfaces is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and leveling, which can be time-consuming and costly, and may result in aesthetically unacceptable and safety-hazardous installations.

Innovation Solution

A tile leveling tool with an elongated main body and adjustable spacers is used to guide the installation of tiles on uneven surfaces, ensuring proper alignment and leveling by creating a straight reference edge across the surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If traditional manual alignment and leveling methods are used, then installers have flexibility in installation, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidtime spent on alignment and leveling

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The tile leveling tool establishes a reference line and spacing configuration before tile installation begins. The adjustable spacers are positioned in advance to define the desired tile layout, allowing installers to quickly place tiles without repeated measurement and adjustment during the installation process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tile leveling tool acts as an intermediary device between the installer and the tiles. It provides a physical reference framework that guides tile placement, eliminating the need for continuous manual measurement and alignment decisions by the installer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If traditional alignment methods are used, then installers can work without specialized equipment, but alignment precision and consistency deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile alignment precisionVSAvoidcomplexity of alignment equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tile leveling tool is divided into modular components: an elongated body for reference line establishment, multiple adjustable spacers for spacing control, and connection elements for linking multiple tools. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function precisely while keeping the overall device relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The tile leveling tool serves multiple functions: it establishes reference lines, controls tile spacing, ensures straight alignment, and can be configured for different tile layouts. The adjustable spacers can be positioned at various intervals, and multiple tools can be connected to create extended reference lines for large installation areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If manual leveling without reference tools is used, then the installation process is simpler, but errors propagate to adjacent tiles causing aesthetic failures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation quality consistencyVSAvoidsimplicity of installation process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The reference line and spacer configuration are established before tile installation begins, creating a foolproof guide system that prevents alignment errors from propagating. Once the reference framework is in place, each tile's position is predetermined, eliminating the cumulative error effect that occurs with manual measurement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tile leveling tool serves as a physical intermediary that enforces consistent spacing and alignment across all tiles. The rigid reference line and fixed spacers act as mediators between the installer's intent and the actual tile placement, ensuring that alignment standards are maintained throughout the installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If no reference system is used, then the tool structure is simpler, but tile spacing and straightness control become difficult on uneven surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile spacing consistencyVSAvoidstructure of leveling tool

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tool is segmented into a reference line component and multiple independent adjustable spacers. This allows the reference line to provide straightness guidance while individual spacers can be adjusted to accommodate uneven surfaces and maintain consistent spacing between tiles, even when the installation surface is not perfectly flat.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12320132B2Tile leveling system

Publication Date: 2025.06.03 BAKER KAOLINO O KALINI RICHARD

AI summary

The present disclosure provides tools, systems, and methods for leveling and aligning tiles. A tile leveling tool for guiding installation of tiles on an uneven installation surface comprises: an elongated main body extending along a longitudinal axis thereof, from a first end to a second end, wherein the main body further comprises a flat reference side, wherein the reference side has a straight reference edge parallel to the longitudinal axis; and at least one adjustable spacer extending from the main body configured to extend toward the installation surface, wherein the adjustable spacer is configured to adjust a space between the main body and the installation surface to arrange the reference edge straight across the uneven installation surface and to guide the installation of the tiles evenly.