Tile Spacer Device with Twistable Central Column
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional levelling devices face challenges in achieving both level tile installation and consistent spacing due to excess mass, reduced performance under load, and undesired torque causing gaps between tiles.
Innovation Solution
A spacer device designed as a monolithic part with a bottom base, intermediate spacer element, and elongated top body, featuring lateral and central columns with breakable lower ends, allows for controlled spacing and minimizes torsional forces by enabling the central column to twist, thus maintaining consistent tile spacing despite rotational forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single column spacer plate is used to achieve both levelling and spacing functions, then the device structure is simplified, but the spacer plate is subjected to excessive torque causing tile spacing gaps
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device is segmented into multiple functional columns: a first column for spacing control and second/third columns for torque absorption. This segmentation allows each column to specialize in one function, preventing torque from affecting spacing precision while maintaining structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The second and third columns act as intermediary elements that absorb torque before it reaches the first column. These intermediate structures protect the critical spacing function from harmful rotational forces while maintaining overall device simplicity
2Strength
If the spacer plate is designed with increased mass to improve performance under load, then load-bearing capacity is improved, but the device becomes heavier and more difficult to handle
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer device employs local quality enhancement by concentrating material only where needed: the first column maintains precise thickness for spacing, while the second and third columns provide localized structural support and torque absorption. This eliminates unnecessary mass while maintaining strength
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into multiple columns with different functional requirements, allowing each segment to be optimized independently for weight and strength characteristics rather than uniformly increasing mass throughout the entire structure
3Quantity of substance
If the spacer plate is made thinner to reduce material usage, then material consumption is reduced, but the spacer plate becomes more susceptible to twisting under torque
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer plate is segmented into multiple columns where the second and third columns provide structural rigidity and torque resistance, while the first column can be thinner since it only needs to maintain precise spacing. This segmentation allows material reduction without compromising overall stability
Solution Approach 2:
The second and third columns serve as intermediary structural supports that protect the thinner first column from torque-induced twisting, enabling material reduction in the critical spacing column while maintaining overall plate rigidity through the supporting columns
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 spacer device effectively controls the space between tiles, ensuring accurate levelling and reducing the transmission of torsional forces, thereby improving the overall performance and stability of the levelling process.
Implementation Method 1
the central column being configured to twist, thereby minimising the effect of rotational forces in/against the two lateral columns
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A spacer device (1) for a levelling device (100) for levelling two or more adjacent tiles, the spacer device (1) comprising: a bottom base (10) comprising two or more surfaces (11, 12) for placing the tiles to be levelled; an intermediate spacer element (20) perpendicularly connected to the bottom base (10) and comprising an upper portion (21) and a lower portion (22); and an elongated top body (30) connected to the upper portion (21) of the intermediate spacer element (20) and comprising a male connector (31) configured to be connected to an external female connector (2) of a levelling device (100); wherein the lower portion (22) of the intermediate spacer element (20) comprises two lateral columns (23, 24) and a central column (25), the central column being arranged between the two lateral columns (23, 24), each comprising a main body (231, 241, 251) and a lower end (232, 242, 252).