Tiltable Manual Tile Cutter for Large Format Tiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual tile-cutting machines struggle with cutting large-sized tiles due to uncomfortable and ineffective operator positions, leading to uneven pressure and imperfect incisions, which can result in unusable tiles.

Innovation Solution

A manual tile-cutting system with a tiltable and collapsible support frame that allows the tile and guiding means to be positioned near vertical, enabling the operator to maintain a constant working attitude and apply even pressure, combined with a progressive tile-breaking mechanism and retaining device for stability during cutting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the guiding bar is extended to cover the entire large tile, then the cutting coverage is improved, but the operator's working position becomes uncomfortable and ineffective

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting coverageVSAvoidoperator working position
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a vertical dimension by allowing the base to be tilted from horizontal to vertical position. This dimensional change enables the operator to work at a comfortable height while maintaining full cutting coverage across large tiles, resolving the contradiction between extended cutting range and operator comfort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If the operator applies pressure to achieve sufficient incision depth, then the incision quality is improved, but the pressure becomes uneven when working in uncomfortable positions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveincision qualityVSAvoidoperator working position
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By tilting the base to a vertical position, the operator can maintain a natural standing posture throughout the cutting process. This eliminates the need to lean or stretch, ensuring consistent and even pressure application across the entire incision line, thereby improving incision quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the base is placed horizontally on the floor, then the machine structure is simple, but the operator must lean or tread on the tile when cutting large tiles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemachine structureVSAvoidtile integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes the vertical dimension by tilting the base upright, allowing the operator to work at tile level without leaning on or treading the tile. This simple positional change eliminates the harmful effect on tile integrity while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Area of stationary object

If the incision line is very long on large tiles, then the cutting capacity is improved, but the risk of imperfect breaking increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting capacityVSAvoidtile breaking reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By positioning the base vertically, the operator can apply controlled, even pressure throughout the entire long incision line without body position changes. This ensures complete and uniform incision penetration, reducing the risk of imperfect breaking even on very large tiles with long incision lines.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP2301701B1Manual tile cutter for large sized tiles and accessory thereof
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 BREVETTI MONTOLIT SPA
  • EP2301701B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2301701B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2301701B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A manual tile-cutting system is disclosed, of the type comprising at least one base and one incision assembly comprising guiding means, whereon a tool-carrying device is slidingly mounted, and a longitudinal abutting ribbing aligned on an incision line, the system further comprising a tile alignment square, wherein said base is arranged on a table or frame which can be tilted upwards and made to collapse by means of an extendable and collapsible structure.