Vertical Tile Support Structure for Uneven Joists and Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems lack efficient and versatile methods for securely mounting rigid tiles on structures such as outdoor decks, façades, and roofs, particularly in applications where shifting joists or uneven surfaces pose challenges.
Innovation Solution
A tile and support structure system comprising parallel-oriented support structures engaged with joists, featuring flanges, troughs, and spines, allowing tiles to slide into place and secure vertically, with drainage features and adjustable pedestals for uneven surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional adhesive or mechanical fastening methods are used to mount tiles, then tiles can be secured to surfaces, but the system lacks adaptability to shifting joists and uneven surfaces, and drainage is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into modular components: individual support structures spaced apart, each with adjustable pedestals that can independently adapt to local variations in joist position and surface unevenness. This segmentation allows each module to handle its own adjustments without affecting adjacent tiles, maintaining overall system reliability while providing adaptability to shifting and uneven conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates adjustable pedestals with movable components that can be dynamically positioned to accommodate varying joist heights and surface irregularities. The adjustable nature of the pedestals allows the system to adapt to shifting joists over time and during installation, maintaining secure tile mounting while responding to dynamic structural variations.
2Stability of the object's composition
If tiles are securely fastened to rigid surfaces, then mounting stability is achieved, but drainage pathways are blocked and water management is impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure creates localized drainage pathways beneath and around each tile through its pedestal design and spacing arrangement. Water can flow freely in the gaps between support structures and around the pedestals, while tiles remain securely mounted on top. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of mounting stability and effective drainage, preventing water accumulation without compromising tile security.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure acts as an intermediary element between the tile and the underlying surface, providing both mechanical support for stable mounting and creating void spaces for water drainage. The pedestals and spacing arrangement mediate between the need for secure attachment and the need for water management, allowing both functions to coexist without conflict.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom mounting solutions are developed for each specific application, then adaptability to different surfaces is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure employs a universal modular design where standardized support structures with adjustable pedestals can be used across different applications including decks, roofs, and walls. The same basic component design accommodates various tile types, surface conditions, and joist configurations through adjustment rather than requiring custom-designed components for each application, thereby reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
One illustrative embodiment of a tile & support structure may be configured to secure the position of a tile in a generally vertical configuration, such as the riser of a step, as a border around a portion of a deck, a building and/or wall façade, ventilated façade, interior or exterior wall covering, or other generally vertical surface. The support structure may be formed with a spine having at least one rail extending outward from a distal end thereof. The spine and rail(s) may be configured to secure one or more tiles, which tiles may be formed with a groove on at least one edge thereof, and wherein one or more rails may be positioned within the groove.