Tile Leveling Spinner Self-Removal Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile leveling systems require multiple steps and increased time to level tiles, as users need to remove an exposed stem portion by kicking it, which is inefficient and aesthetically undesirable.
Innovation Solution
A tile leveling system comprising a stem with a fork and a spinner, where the spinner is threaded onto the stem and rotated to apply a compression force against adjacent tiles, using an engaging member to facilitate this rotation, allowing for leveling in a single motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional stem-based tile leveling system is used, then tiles can be leveled, but the user must remove the exposed stem portion by kicking it, increasing the steps and time required
Solution Approach 1:
The spinner is designed to automatically self-remove from the stem after the tiles are leveled. When the tiles are properly leveled and the spinner is rotated to its final position, the engagement between the spinner's internal threads and the stem's external threads disengages, causing the spinner to fall off or be easily removed without requiring the user to kick or manually detach it. This self-service mechanism eliminates the additional step of stem removal and reduces the overall time required for the leveling process.
2Manufacturing precision
If a tile leveling system is used, then tiles can be leveled, but the process requires multiple steps and increased time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the leveling function and the removal function into a single integrated operation. The spinner serves dual purposes: it applies compression force to level the tiles and then automatically removes itself from the stem after leveling is complete. This merging of functions allows the user to complete both leveling and removal in one continuous motion, thereby maintaining high precision while significantly improving installation speed and productivity.
3Force
If the spinner is threaded onto the stem, then the spinner can be rotated to apply compression force, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded connection between the spinner and stem serves multiple functions: it allows the spinner to be rotated to apply compression force for leveling, provides a self-removal mechanism through thread disengagement, and maintains a relatively simple overall structure. By making the threaded connection multi-functional, the patent avoids adding excessive complexity while achieving both effective force application and automatic removal.
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 system efficiently levels tiles in one motion, reducing installation time and improving aesthetic outcomes by applying a consistent compression force to align tiles effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The spinner may include an internally threaded surface that is configured to threadably engage an externally threaded surface of the cylindrical portion of the fork
Implementation Method 2
rotated to apply a compression force against an upper surface of the pair of adjacent tiles
Data Source
AI summary
A tile leveling system includes a stem, a spinner, and an engaging member. The stem includes a base and a fork extending from the base. The fork includes a cylindrical portion extending in a direction opposite the base and having an externally threaded surface. A cutout is formed in the fork between the cylindrical portion and the base. The spinner includes a hub, a rim, and one or more spokes extending between the hub and the rim. An internally threaded surface defining a bore extends through the hub. The engaging member includes a main body and a mounting portion extending from the main body. A hub-receiving bore is formed in the main body for receiving the hub of the spinner and a stem-receiving bore is formed in the main body for receiving the cylindrical portion of the stem.