Polymeric Tile Wedge Securing for Wind-Resistant Outdoor Decks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tile-securing systems fail to effectively prevent tile displacement in high winds and environmental conditions, as they lack a reliable mechanism to secure tiles in place on outdoor surfaces like rooftop decks and patios.
Innovation Solution
A tile-securing system utilizing polymeric wedge components positioned between adjacent tiles, which exert force against both side edges and are secured to a solid substrate using fasteners, along with perimeter securing components to maintain tile integrity and prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional tile-securing systems are used, then tiles can be installed on outdoor surfaces, but tiles become displaced in high wind or environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The tile-securing system divides the securing function into multiple discrete wedge components positioned at intervals between adjacent tiles. Each wedge component independently secures the tiles at its location, creating a distributed securing system that prevents displacement while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction of individual tile segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge components are pre-positioned between adjacent tiles before the tiles are fully set in place. This preliminary action ensures that the tiles are mechanically interlocked and secured against wind forces from the beginning, preventing displacement during installation and throughout the service life of the installation.
2Reliability
If polymeric wedge components are positioned between adjacent tiles to exert force, then tile displacement is prevented, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The polymeric wedge component serves as an intermediary element positioned between adjacent tiles to transmit and distribute securing forces. This intermediary component simplifies the overall system by providing a single element that performs multiple functions: preventing tile displacement, accommodating thermal expansion, and distributing loads between tiles.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymeric wedge components are made from materials with specific physical properties including elasticity and thermal expansion characteristics that match or complement the adjacent tiles. This parameter matching allows the wedge components to expand and contract with temperature changes, maintaining securing effectiveness while simplifying the system's response to environmental conditions.
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 system securely fastens tiles in place by creating pressure between adjacent tiles and along the perimeter, effectively resisting displacement due to environmental factors like high winds, ensuring the tiles remain stable and in position.
Implementation Method 1
the polymeric wedge component exerts a force against both side edges
Implementation Method 2
creating pressure between adjacent tiles and along the perimeter
Data Source
AI summary
A tile-securing system having a polymeric wedge component positioned between two adjacent tiles that are in plane and the polymeric wedge component contacting a side edge of each adjacent tile, wherein the polymeric wedge component exerts a force against both side edges; the polymeric wedge component being secured to a solid substrate using a fastener.