Ecologically degradable building block system, consisting essentially of leaf granulate

Abstract

Biodegradable plug-in building block, comprising: - a cuboid body with a top and bottom side, - wherein the top side is provided with at least two, preferably four to six, cylindrical knobs, - and the bottom side has corresponding negative receptacles which are formed in a form-fitting manner with the knobs, - wherein the body consists entirely of biodegradable material, containing crushed, dried leaf granules and a natural binding agent, - and wherein the building block is designed in such a way that it remains mechanically stable in a dry environment, but completely decomposes upon prolonged contact with moist soil under natural environmental conditions.

Description

[0001]This patent application relates to an ecologically degradable building block system, in particular a large-format, cuboid-shaped plug-in building block consisting essentially of plant-derived leaf granules. It is equipped with reversible connecting elements – in the form of cylindrical studs and corresponding negative images – and decomposes completely under the influence of natural environmental conditions. Through special material additives such as mycelium, plant fibers, or seeds integrated into the building block, the building block exhibits expanded functional and ecological benefits. The invention aims to provide temporarily usable building structures that are both mechanically stable and biodegradable without residue, and which also initiate ecologically beneficial processes such as greening or soil remediation.The building block is designed in the form of a solid, cuboid body, preferably with external dimensions between 30 × 30 × 15 cm and 50 × 25 × 20 cm, although dimensional deviations are permissible provided geometric functionality is maintained. The upper surface of the body features a multitude of cylindrical studs – at least two, preferably four to six – which are evenly distributed and engage positively with corresponding cylindrical cavities (negative receptacles) on the underside of identical building blocks. The arrangement and dimensioning of these connecting elements is designed to achieve a firm, removable positive connection without the use of external connecting or fastening elements. The positioning of the studs and the tolerance design of the negative receptacles prevent tilting or unintentional loosening. The building block is made entirely of biodegradable, renewable raw materials.The main component is finely crushed, dried leaf granules, which are compressed under pressure with a natural binding agent—preferably plant starch, lignin, cellulose glue, or a combination thereof—to form a solid, homogeneous body. The density and porosity of the material are selected so that the building block remains structurally stable in dry environments, but undergoes complete biological decomposition within a defined period (e.g., 4-12 weeks) upon prolonged contact with the soil, particularly under the influence of moisture, microorganisms, and temperature fluctuations. To specifically control the degradation properties and mechanical strength, bioactive components such as mycelium (e.g., fungal mycelia), biogenic fibers (e.g., hemp, flax, coconut), or clay can be added to the material. These components not only increase stability but also activate the rotting processes and improve nutrient release during decomposition.At least one building block type of the invention contains a seed capsule in an internal cavity or soluble insert, the shell of which dissolves when the building block is softened. The seeds are thus introduced directly into the surrounding substrate. These are preferably site-adapted wild plants, green manure plants, or insect-friendly species. The distribution of the seeds is controlled by the degradation rate of the building block, which ensures a defined germination phase. The combination of mechanically reversible bonding, complete biodegradability, and additional ecological functionality represents a unique selling point.The protection extends to: the specific geometry of the connecting elements in combination with the described material composition, the use of leaf granules as the primary structural material in conjunction with natural binders, the targeted addition of mycelium or comparable bioactive additives to control decomposition, the integrated seed element with moisture-activated release inside the building block, and the suitability for temporary outdoor use without permanent environmental impact. Any circumvention by replacing individual components (e.g., different plant base material instead of leaves, a different form of reversible connection, different binders) falls within the scope of protection, provided the entirety of the ecologically degradable modular structure with reversible plug-in connection and additional function is retained. This invention enables a novel type of construction that combines ecological responsibility with practical modularity.It defines a standard for fully biologically recyclable plug-in systems with additional benefits for nature, education and landscape design.

Claims

[1] Biodegradable plug-in building block, comprising:- a cuboid body with a top and bottom side,- wherein the top side is provided with at least two, preferably four to six, cylindrical knobs,- and the bottom side has corresponding negative receptacles which are formed in a form-fitting manner with the knobs,- wherein the body consists entirely of biodegradable material, containing crushed, dried leaf granules and a natural binding agent,- and wherein the building block is designed in such a way that it remains mechanically stable in a dry environment, but completely decomposes upon prolonged contact with moist soil under natural environmental conditions. [2] Plug-in module according to claim 1, characterized by that the binder is of vegetable origin, selected from vegetable starch, lignin, cellulose glue or mixtures thereof. [3] Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat a bioactive additive in the form of mycelium is added to the material, which serves both to increase structural strength and to promote biological rotting. [4] Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that additional plant fibers such as hemp, flax or coconut fibers are added as reinforcement material. [5] Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that at least one cavity is provided in its interior in which there is a moisture-soluble insert containing seed capsules with site-adapted seeds. [6] Plug-in module according to claim 5, characterized by that the seeds consist of insect-promoting wild plant species, green manure plants or clover-like plants. [7] Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized bythat the decomposition of the building block in the soil occurs within a defined period of 4 to 12 weeks. [8] Plug-in module according to one of the preceding claims, characterized by that the dimensions of the body are preferably in the range of 30 × 30 × 15 cm to 50 × 25 × 20 cm, although larger or smaller dimensions are also possible, provided that the plug connection and functionality are maintained. [9] Plug-in building block system, comprising a plurality of plug-in building blocks according to one of claims 1 to 8, wherein the building blocks can be connected to one another without tools and detachably again by means of the stud-negative connection, for the creation of temporary, free-standing structures in outdoor areas. [10] Use of a plug-in building block according to one of claims 1 to 8 for the ecologically sustainable construction of temporary installations in the field of natural playgrounds, environmental education, horticulture, area greening or landscape intervention