Tile Leveling Device with Movable Shaft for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for aligning and leveling tiles are inefficient, as they often require multiple devices for different tile sizes, struggle with uneven substrates, and cannot adjust tile height after placement, leading to increased installation time and cost.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a top and bottom plate with a movable shaft allows for vertical adjustment of tiles after they are laid, ensuring level alignment and using spacer fins for proper alignment, enabling simultaneous leveling and alignment of multiple tiles without disturbing adjacent tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed grid frame is used to space tiles, then tile spacing is maintained, but the device cannot accommodate different tile sizes and requires multiple frames
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing device is designed with adjustable components that allow a single device to accommodate multiple tile sizes and spacing requirements. The device includes adjustable arms or extensions that can be configured for different tile dimensions, eliminating the need for multiple fixed-size frames and improving versatility while reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If height adjustment means is located under the tile after placement, then tile height can be adjusted, but the adjustment mechanism becomes difficult to access and operate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of placing the height adjustment mechanism under the tile where it is difficult to access, the invention inverts the approach by providing adjustment means accessible from the side or top of the tile. This allows installers to easily adjust tile height after placement without needing to access difficult-to-reach areas, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple device design.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple devices are set to the same height, then tile levelness is maintained, but it is difficult to ensure consistent height across devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates a standardized height setting mechanism where all spacing devices are pre-configured or easily adjustable to a common reference height. This standardization ensures that when multiple devices are used across different tile locations, they all maintain the same height setting, guaranteeing consistent tile levelness while making the setup process simple and intuitive for operators.
4Reliability
If tiles are continuously monitored as mortar dries, then levelness is maintained, but installation time increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention implements preliminary leveling action by using adjustable spacing devices that set and maintain tile height and levelness immediately upon placement. The devices are configured to hold tiles in the correct position as the mortar begins to set, eliminating the need for continuous monitoring and adjustment later in the process. This preliminary action ensures reliable tile levelness while maintaining fast installation speed and productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for aligning and leveling tiles as they are laid in floors, walls, countertops, or the like. The device has a top plate with several spacer fins and a bottom plate. The plates are combined with a shaft that extends from the bottom plate through the top plate so that the top plate is movable along the length of the shaft.