Tile Leveling Device Breakaway Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile leveling devices face issues with adhesive filling the breakaway line, making it difficult to remove the vertical member, and potential non-adherence of tile ends to the surface, leading to unsupported edges susceptible to cracking.
Innovation Solution
A tile leveling device with a main member featuring transverse sections and openings for adhesive flow, a breakaway section positioned within the tile thickness to avoid adhesive, and a wedge mechanism that applies pressure to level tiles while allowing clean separation, along with stiffener portions to prevent crushing and ensure proper adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a breakaway line is created on the vertical member by removing material, then the vertical member becomes easier to break off after use, but adhesive fills the breakaway line making it difficult to break off the vertical member
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a breakaway section as an intermediary element between the adhesive and the main structural members. This breakaway section has reduced thickness that prevents adhesive from completely filling the space, creating a controlled separation plane that allows easy removal while maintaining structural integrity during use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the thickness parameter of the breakaway section relative to the main horizontal and vertical members. By making the breakaway section thinner, it creates a preferential failure plane that reduces adhesive filling while maintaining sufficient strength during the leveling process
2Reliability
If adhesive is applied to the subsurface, then tiles are adhered to the subsurface, but adhesive may not extend over the horizontal member leaving tile ends non-adhered and susceptible to cracking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent provides support for tile ends through the horizontal member and breakaway section before adhesive can extend to those areas. This preliminary support prevents tile edges from being unsupported and susceptible to cracking during the adhesive setting process
Solution Approach 2:
The breakaway section acts as an intermediary support structure between the horizontal member and the tile ends. It provides the necessary support for tile edges that extend beyond the adhesive coverage area, preventing cracking while allowing clean breakaway after adhesion is complete
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 effectively levels and aligns tiles, ensures proper adhesion, and facilitates easy removal of the vertical member, reducing the risk of tile cracking by maintaining support for all edges during the adhesive curing process.
Implementation Method 1
The wedge member is then pushed through opening 20. As the wedge is continually pushed through opening 20 due to its increasing thickness, it causes the edge of each tile to be compressed downward pressing the horizontal member beneath it toward the subsurface.
Implementation Method 2
an opening is formed through the first section for allowing an adhesive to flow there through... the first edge is further from the first and second sections than the second edge. A stiffener portion is formed proximate the first edge for bolstering the first edge.
Data Source
AI summary
A tile leveling device is provided. The device includes a main member, a first section extending transversely from the main member for receiving a first tile and a second section extending transversely from the main member in a direction opposite the first section for receiving a second tile. A member is provided for penetrating the main member and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other. A method for leveling tiles is also provided.