Tile-Mounted Platform Shelf Anchoring Without Cutting Existing Tiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Retrofitting a platform shelf or seat in a bathroom shower after tiling is challenging due to the need for cutting or removing existing tiles, and adhesive solutions often fail under sheer and torque forces.

Innovation Solution

A surface platform mounting system featuring a platform with anchoring edges and plates that fit within slots between tiles, allowing secure installation without cutting tiles, using anchoring plates that extend from the surface and slide into channels on the platform, providing stability against forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If adhesive strips or adhesive caulk are used to secure the platform, then installation is simpler, but the platform fails under sheer and torque forces after some time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidadhesion durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system (adhesive strips, adhesive caulk) with a mechanical fastening system consisting of anchoring plates inserted into slots in the wall surface and channels formed in the platform edges. The anchoring plates physically engage with the channels to secure the platform, providing reliable mechanical resistance to sheer and torque forces rather than relying on chemical adhesion that fails over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the platform is installed before tiling, then the platform can be mortared into place, but the tiles must be cut to accommodate the platform and maintain consistency

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting stabilityVSAvoidtiling complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional installation sequence by allowing the platform to be installed after tiling is complete. Instead of mortaring the platform into place before tiling (which requires cutting tiles to accommodate it), the system uses anchoring plates that fit into slots created in the finished tile surface, eliminating the need to cut or remove tiles while maintaining secure mounting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If retro-fit installation is attempted after tiling, then existing tiles can be preserved, but removal or cutting of existing wall tiles is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile damageVSAvoidinstallation difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces anchoring plates as intermediary elements that bridge the platform and the tiled wall surface. These anchoring plates are inserted into slots created in the grout lines or surface of existing tiles, allowing the platform to be securely mounted without requiring removal or cutting of the tiles themselves. The anchoring plates serve as mediators that enable retro-fit installation while preserving the existing tile work.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS10264883B2Platform mounting system and method

Publication Date: 2019.04.23 STEFENACK IAN

AI summary

A surface platform mounting system and method. The system includes a platform and a plurality of anchoring plates. The platform defines at least one anchoring edge and at least one free edge. Each anchoring edge defines an inwardly extending channel. Each anchoring plate is configured to be secured within a respective channel and within a respective slot of the surface.