Tile Leveling Device With Threaded Stem And Segmented Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile installation methods often fail to ensure that adjacent tiles are properly levelled and aligned, leading to uneven surfaces and difficulties in securing tiles with grout/mortar.
Innovation Solution
A tile leveling device comprising a base with a projection and a detachable stem, where the stem has a threaded upper portion and a wider lower portion, allowing for easy adjustment and alignment of tiles, and a top member with a threaded bore to secure the tiles in place, facilitating even surface leveling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional tile installation methods are used, then the installation process is simple, but the tiles cannot be ensured to be level and aligned properly
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling device is divided into separate components: a base member with a projection, a stem with threaded portions, and a top member. These segments can be assembled and disassembled independently, allowing for precise adjustment of each component to achieve proper tile leveling and alignment while maintaining relatively simple individual part structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem includes threaded portions that allow it to be rotated and adjusted to different heights and angles. This dynamic adjustment capability enables the device to adapt to varying tile installation requirements, ensuring proper leveling and alignment while keeping the base and top member structures simple.
2Ease of operation
If a fixed stem structure is used, then the structure is simple, but the stem cannot be easily removed after grout/mortar dries
Solution Approach 1:
The stem is designed with threaded portions and a detachable coupling mechanism that allows it to be easily removed after the grout/mortar has dried. The threading and coupling features are pre-configured to enable simple unscrewing and separation, making the removal process straightforward while maintaining structural integrity during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The stem is designed as a temporary component that serves its leveling function during installation and then can be discarded or removed once the grout/mortar cures. The detachable coupling allows for easy separation and potential reuse or disposal of the stem without affecting the permanently installed base and top members.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the base has uniform thickness, then manufacturing is simple, but the device cannot provide optimal stability and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The base is designed with variable thickness, being thicker at the central portion and thinner at the ends. This local variation in thickness provides enhanced stability and alignment at the critical central area where the stem and projection are located, while keeping the end areas lighter and easier to manufacture. The non-uniform thickness distribution optimizes structural performance without significantly complicating the manufacturing process.
Data Source
AI summary
According to one embodiment, the tile leveling device includes a base having a top surface and a bottom surface. The base includes a projection extending upwardly from the top surface. The tile leveling device further includes a stem detachably coupled to the top surface of the base. The stem includes a lower portion and an upper portion having a threaded portion. The lower portion is wider than the upper portion.