Re-bonding Loose Tiles with Sealed Applicator Chamber
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Solution Overview
Problem
Loose and hollow tiles are a common issue due to material deterioration or installation failure, requiring labor-intensive and costly re-bonding processes that are inefficient and unsustainable, with current systems facing challenges in administering adhesive due to ridges and needing ventilation holes.
Innovation Solution
A surface attachment device with a pliable sealing ring and suction cup mechanism that forms a sealed applicator chamber, allowing pressurized adhesive delivery through a controlled access point, enabling efficient re-bonding without spreading outside the chamber and accommodating uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ridged tools are used to spread adhesive during initial installation, then adhesion is improved, but adhesive administration during re-bonding becomes difficult and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the adhesive application process into two distinct phases: initial installation using traditional ridged tools for even spreading, and re-bonding using a specialized applicator with a chamber that delivers adhesive through controlled access points. This segmentation allows each phase to use the most suitable tool for its specific requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces an intermediary device - the adhesive applicator with a chamber - that mediates between the adhesive supply and the tile surface during re-bonding. This intermediary structure enables controlled adhesive delivery through access points without requiring direct manual application, solving the difficulty of administering adhesive on larger surfaces.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple small holes are created in grout or tiles for adhesive injection, then re-bonding on larger surfaces is achieved, but device complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive applicator chamber serves multiple functions: it stores adhesive, delivers adhesive through controlled access points, and can accommodate different tile sizes and configurations. This universal design allows re-bonding of larger surfaces without requiring multiple specialized tools or complex setups.
Solution Approach 2:
The device is designed with pre-configured access points and a chamber structure that is prepared in advance for adhesive delivery. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need to create multiple small holes during the re-bonding process, reducing both device complexity and time consumption while still enabling coverage of larger surfaces.
3Ease of operation
If ventilation holes are created in tiles or grout for adhesive spread, then adhesive can reach the substrate, but tile integrity and sealing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The device applies local quality by creating access points only where needed for adhesive delivery, rather than requiring ventilation holes across the entire tile surface. The adhesive applicator chamber provides localized access through specific openings, allowing adhesive to reach the substrate while maintaining the integrity and sealing of the remaining tile areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive applicator chamber acts as an intermediary structure that provides a controlled pathway for adhesive to reach the substrate without compromising tile integrity. Instead of creating ventilation holes that weaken the tile, the chamber serves as a mediating structure that delivers adhesive through controlled access points while preserving the overall sealing and structural integrity of the tile.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual re-bonding processes are used, then flexibility is maintained, but labor intensity and time consumption are high
Solution Approach 1:
The adhesive applicator chamber is designed to be self-sufficient, containing its own adhesive supply and delivery mechanism. This self-service capability eliminates the need for continuous manual adhesive application, reducing labor intensity and time consumption while maintaining flexibility in the re-bonding process. The chamber can be positioned and operated independently to deliver adhesive precisely where needed.
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 effective adhesive application under pressure, minimizing the need for ventilation holes and reducing manual labor, allowing seamless re-bonding on various surfaces, including non-horizontal ones, with less waste and faster curing times.
Implementation Method 1
at least one surface engagement means configured for being in an attached state and a detached state
Implementation Method 2
a second pliable sealing ring configured to be arranged in contact with the surface
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The present invention relates to a surface attachment device (1) for releasably attaching to a surface (2). The attachment device (1) comprises at least one surface engagement means (9) configured for being in an attached state (13) and a detached state (14). The attachment device (1) comprises an adhesive applicator (20) comprising a second pliable sealing ring (21) forming an applicator chamber (25) when arranged in contact with the surface (2). The adhesive applicator (20) comprises an adhesive inlet (30) for delivering a fluid adhesive (4) into the applicator chamber (25). The adhesive inlet (30) is connected to an adhesive supply system (40) delivering the fluid adhesive (4) to the adhesive inlet (30). In use, the applicator chamber (25) is arranged comprising a surface access point (3) in the surface (2) accessible for the fluid adhesive (4). The invention further relates to a re-bonding system (70) comprising the surface attachment device (1) and an adhesive supply system (40). Furthermore, the invention relates to a method (100) for re-bonding loose or hollow tiles using the re-bonding system (70) according to the invention.