Tile Tray Node Fulcrum Mechanism for Tile Manipulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional tile tray systems face challenges in grasping and manipulating tiles without disturbing adjacent tiles, and they lack a stable support surface for accessories.
Innovation Solution
A modular tile tray system with cells having a bottom, sides extending upward, a node with a flat top surface, and a channel between the node and sides, allowing tiles to be rotated and flipped without contacting adjacent tiles, and providing a stable surface for accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tiles are placed on a flat tray, then the tray structure is simple, but the tiles are difficult to grasp and lift
Solution Approach 1:
The tray is divided into multiple cells, each with its own node and channel structure. This segmentation allows tiles to be individually manipulated within each cell while maintaining overall organization. The node acts as a fulcrum point that enables easy grasping and lifting of tiles without requiring the entire tray structure to be complex.
Solution Approach 2:
The node structure serves as an intermediary element between the flat tray surface and the tile. It provides a fulcrum point that mediates the interaction between the user's grasping action and the tile, enabling easy lifting and manipulation. The channel acts as another intermediary that guides tile movement and rotation.
2Ease of operation
If tiles are manipulated on a flat tray, then manipulation is possible, but adjacent tiles are disturbed and arrangement is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the tray into separate cells with individual nodes and channels, the manipulation of one tile is isolated from adjacent tiles. Each cell operates independently, allowing tiles to be manipulated without disturbing the overall arrangement. The cell walls act as barriers that prevent interference between adjacent tile manipulations.
Solution Approach 2:
The node and channel structure extracts the manipulation function from the flat tray surface and concentrates it in specific locations. This allows tile manipulation to occur at the node fulcrum point without affecting adjacent tiles, as the manipulation is localized to individual cells rather than occurring across the entire flat surface.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a flat tray surface is used, then the structure is simple, but there is no stable support surface for accessories
Solution Approach 1:
The node structure serves multiple functions: it acts as a fulcrum for tile manipulation, provides a stable support surface for accessories like markers and counters, and maintains the organizational structure of the cells. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate accessory holders while adding stability for both tile manipulation and accessory placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The node structure adds vertical dimensionality to the otherwise flat tray surface. By raising nodes above the cell bottom, it creates elevated support points that provide stable surfaces for accessories while maintaining the overall compact structure. This dimensional change allows accessories to be supported without expanding the tray's horizontal footprint.
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
Enables easy manipulation of tiles without disrupting adjacent arrangements and supports accessories like markers, preventing friction and maintaining tile organization.
Implementation Method 1
pressing a portion of the tile into the channel, thereby raising the opposite portion of the tile, the node serving as a fulcrum
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a tile tray configured to facilitate manipulation of tiles. More specifically, the disclosed tile tray includes at least one cell including a bottom, at least one side abutting the bottom and extending upward therefrom, a node extending upward from the bottom and having a flat top surface, and a channel between the node and the at least one side. A tile positioned atop the top surface of the node may be manipulated by pressing a portion of the tile into the channel, thereby raising the opposite portion of the tile, the node serving as a fulcrum. The portion pressed into the channel may be moved along the channel, thereby rotating the tile, or the raised opposite portion may be grasped by a user to flip or move the tile.