Universal Tile Spacing Device Corner Levelling Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spacing/levelling devices for laying tiles are ineffective at corners, where precision alignment and levelling are crucial, requiring multiple types of devices for different zones, leading to inefficiencies and irregular surfaces.

Innovation Solution

A spacing/levelling device with a base, separator element, and mobile corner spacer that can transition between raised and non-interfering positions, allowing for precise alignment and levelling at both edges and corners of tiles, eliminating the need for multiple devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional spacing/levelling devices are used for tile laying, then levelling function is effective, but corner alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner alignment precisionVSAvoidnumber of device types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple spacer types (cross spacer, T-shaped spacer, and corner spacer) into a single universal spacing/levelling device. The base can accommodate different spacer configurations depending on whether they are needed for lateral edges or corners, eliminating the need to use multiple separate device types while maintaining both levelling and precise corner alignment functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of traditional separate spacing devices (cross spacers for edges, T-shaped spacers for corners) into one integrated device. The base combines multiple separator elements and corner spacers that can be used together or independently, allowing a single device to perform both spacing and levelling functions across all tile zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If multiple types of spacing devices are used for different tile zones, then alignment precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetile arrangement precisionVSAvoidnumber of device types

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device integrates multiple spacer types (cross spacer, T-shaped spacer, and corner spacer) into a single universal spacing/levelling device. The base can accommodate different spacer configurations depending on whether they are needed for lateral edges or corners, eliminating the need to use multiple separate device types while maintaining both levelling and precise corner alignment functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is segmented into functional modules: a base, multiple separator elements for different orientations, and corner spacers. These segments can be used independently or in combination based on the specific laying zone requirements, allowing precision for different tile zones while maintaining a single device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Manufacturing precision

If traditional spacing devices are used at corners, then spacing function is provided, but levelling function is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner spacing precisionVSAvoidlevelling capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of traditional separate spacing devices (cross spacers for edges, T-shaped spacers for corners) into one integrated device. The base combines multiple separator elements and corner spacers that can be used together or independently, allowing a single device to perform both spacing and levelling functions across all tile zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8671628B2Spacing/levelling device for laying slab products for surface cladding

Publication Date: 2014.03.18 RAIMONDI

AI summary

An intake manifold (2) of comburent air is presented for an internal combustion engine (1) provided with a recirculating conduit (60) of exhaust gases. The intake manifold (2) includes a first inlet mouth (213) of the comburent air, a second inlet mouth (214) in communication with the recirculating conduit (60) of the exhaust gases, and a plurality of outlet mouths (201), having a wall (7) positioned in front of each of the outlet mouths (201) and configured for dividing the internal volume of the intake manifold (2) into two chambers (215, 204), the first chamber (215) being placed in communication with the first inlet mouth (213) and the second inlet mouth (214) and the second chamber (204) being placed in communication with the outlet mouths (201), the wall (7) defining an opening (70) adapted for placing the first chamber (215) and the second chamber (204) in communication.