Tile Leveling Device With Breakaway Wedge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Tile installation processes face challenges in achieving proper alignment and leveling, leading to potential spacing errors, aesthetic issues, and safety concerns due to the lack of efficient tools for professionals and DIYers.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical tile leveling device with parallel strip members and a wedge device featuring tapered surfaces and breakaway sections, designed to level, align, and space tiles of varying thicknesses, providing efficient and versatile installation solutions for two to four tiles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional manual alignment methods are used, then installers have flexibility in handling tiles, but alignment precision and leveling accuracy deteriorate due to time-consuming manual adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling device enables self-alignment through its mechanical structure. When tiles are placed on the substrate, the leveling device automatically adjusts to the tile thickness and enforces proper alignment and spacing without requiring manual measurement or adjustment by the installer, thus achieving both precision and speed
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable components that can adapt to different tile thicknesses and spacing requirements. By changing the parameters of the leveling device (such as the height of support elements or the spacing between guides), it can accommodate various tile specifications while maintaining consistent alignment precision across different installation scenarios
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate tools are used for spacing, leveling, and aligning, then each function can be performed with specialized equipment, but device complexity and the number of tools required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines multiple functions (spacing, leveling, and aligning) into a single integrated device. The leveling device includes components that simultaneously perform all three functions: guides for alignment, support elements for leveling, and spacing mechanisms for consistent gaps between tiles, eliminating the need for separate tools for each function
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed as a universal tool that can handle various tile sizes, thicknesses, and installation patterns. The adjustable and modular components allow the same device to be used for different tile types and installation configurations, replacing multiple specialized tools with one versatile instrument
3Ease of operation
If breakaway sections are incorporated, then the device can be easily separated for tile removal, but structural strength and stability deteriorates during use
Solution Approach 1:
The leveling device is divided into separate modular sections connected by breakaway joints. These sections can be easily separated by applying force to remove tiles, but the joints are designed with reinforced features that maintain structural integrity during normal use, providing both ease of operation and sufficient strength
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 ensures accurate leveling and alignment of tiles, reduces the number of tools required, minimizes stress on installers, and accommodates different tile thicknesses, resulting in faster and more efficient installation with improved aesthetic outcomes.
Implementation Method 1
a wedge device includes a backstop member and a pair of members extending from the backstop member. Each of pair of members includes a tapered surface configured to penetrate the lateral open windows and exerting force against tiles, thereby pressing the tiles against the first and second strip members in order to level and align
Data Source
AI summary
A device for leveling and aligning tiles and method for leveling and aligning tiles are disclosed. In one embodiment, the leveling device includes a body and two spaced and parallel strip members extending transversely from the body. Each of the spaced and parallel strip members extend to the front and rear of the body. Two opposing lateral open windows are formed in the body. A breakaway section is defined along the body. A wedge device is provided for penetrating one or more of the two opposing lateral open windows and exerting a force on the tiles for leveling them relative to each other.