Tile Positioning Device With Segmented Fin For Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile installation devices fail to maintain correct alignment of tiles after removal of the positioning apparatus before the adhesive has fully dried, leading to potential displacement and the need for reinstallation.
Innovation Solution
A tile positioning device featuring a base with an appendix comprising a fin divided into upper and lower parts, where the lower part includes protruding lips and notches that act as a separation element, ensuring tiles remain aligned even after the upper part is detached, and the adhesive is not yet dry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the positioning apparatus is removed before the adhesive has fully dried, then the installation process is simplified and time is saved, but the tiles may become displaced and lose their alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is divided into an upper part and a lower part, where the upper part can be removed after positioning but the lower part remains to maintain alignment. This segmentation allows the positioning function to be partially retained while enabling early removal of the main positioning apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper part of the fin is extracted or removed after the positioning phase, leaving only the essential lower part with lips that continues to provide alignment function. This extraction allows time savings while preserving the critical alignment function.
2Productivity
If the upper part of the fin is removed early to speed up installation, then productivity increases, but the tiles may lose their correct positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is segmented into removable upper part and retained lower part, allowing early removal of the upper part for productivity while the lower part maintains positioning precision through its lips that engage with the tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower part of the fin is designed in advance to remain after upper part removal, with lips that are specifically shaped to maintain tile positioning. This preliminary design ensures that the essential positioning function is already prepared to continue after segmentation.
3Reliability
If the appendix remains fully connected to maintain tile alignment, then positioning reliability is ensured, but the device complexity increases and removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fin is divided into two parts with a separation plane, creating a simpler removable upper part and a retained lower part. This segmentation reduces the complexity of the removable portion while maintaining alignment function through the lips on the lower part.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper part of the fin is extracted from the structure, removing unnecessary complexity from the removable portion while the essential lower part with lips remains to provide the alignment function. This extraction simplifies the device while maintaining reliability.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2a~2e
Figure 2c~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to the field of devices used for laying tiles in any area, whether domestic or not. In particular, the present invention deals with an innovative positioning device for tiles useful for obtaining their correct alignment during laying, obtaining any type of spacing between them, that is to say, more or less pronounced, ie wide, in a way precise and stable, this innovative device guarantees stable positioning of the tiles themselves.