Tiled Floor Corner Element with Segmented Fixing Pins
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for forming tiled outdoor surfaces, such as roofs and balconies, are not safe when using small or light tiles, as they can tilt or be easily lifted, posing risks of vandalism and accidents.
Innovation Solution
A system featuring a tile support with corner elements and fixing pins that prevent tilting and unauthorized lifting, using a combination of locking and jamming pins to secure tiles in place, allowing only authorized personnel to remove tiles for maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tiles are connected only by corner elements resting on tile supports, then the system is simple and easy to install, but tiles can tilt or be easily lifted under load
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing mechanism is segmented into multiple independent pins (fixing pins and locking pins) distributed at different locations on the corner element. Each pin performs a specific function (preventing tilting vs. preventing lifting), and the combination of these segmented fixing points creates overall tile stability while maintaining simple installation procedures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin is nested within the corner element structure, with its head positioned to engage with the tile support from above. The fixing pin passes through the corner element and engages with the tile support, creating a nested arrangement where smaller components are integrated within larger structural elements to achieve compact and efficient fixing
2Reliability
If tiles are secured with multiple fixing pins, then tile stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner element serves multiple functions: it connects the tile to the tile support, provides positioning features (upright walls), incorporates fixing pins for tilt prevention, and integrates locking pins for lift prevention. This multi-functional design consolidates what could be separate complex components into a single integrated element, maintaining reliability while controlling overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the corner element have different properties and functions: the upright walls provide positioning and alignment, the fixing pins prevent tilting at specific locations, and the locking pins prevent lifting. This local differentiation of qualities and functions allows each component to be optimized for its specific purpose while contributing to overall tile stability
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 10~14
AI summary
A system for forming a tiled floor on an outdoor subsurface comprises a tile support (4) and a corner element (5), which receives a tile (6). The corner element (5) comprises a corner plate (7) with an upper side (8) and a lower side (10). The upper side (8) is connectable to the lower corner of the tile (6). The tile support (4) comprises an upper receiving face (12) and a lower face (14) which is positioned on an outdoor surface. The corner element 5 comprises fixing pins (16), (18), (20), which extend vertically. The tile support (4) comprises pin receiving holes (26), (28), (30). In the assembled state of the system, as indicated with dotted lines, the corner element (5) rests on the tile support (4) and the fixing pins ((16), 18), (20) extend fittingly in the pin receiving holes (26), (28), (30).