Adjustable Retaining Wall Block Mold with Movable Inserts

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retaining wall block systems lack the ability to easily adjust the positioning and angle of engagement, limiting design flexibility and aesthetic appeal in retaining wall construction.

Innovation Solution

A system of retaining wall blocks with adjustable engagement configurations, including engagement cavities and protrusions, and a mold with adjustable inserts that allow for varying angles of incline, enabling customizable wall designs and manufacturing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional fixed-position engagement cavities and protrusions are used in retaining wall blocks, then manufacturing is simple, but design flexibility and aesthetic appeal are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidengagement configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mold insert system enables dynamic reconfiguration of engagement cavity positions. The insert can be moved between multiple predetermined positions to create different engagement configurations, allowing the same mold to produce blocks with varying engagement patterns for different design requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement cavity formation is segmented into a fixed mold body and a movable insert component. This segmentation allows the insert to be independently positioned at different locations within the mold, creating varied engagement configurations without redesigning the entire mold.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple fixed mold designs are created to achieve different engagement configurations, then design variety is possible, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement configuration varietyVSAvoidmold manufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single mold assembly is designed to perform multiple functions by incorporating a movable insert that can be positioned at different locations. This universal mold can produce various engagement configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized molds and reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mold insert is designed with movable characteristics, allowing it to be repositioned between predetermined locations. This dynamic capability enables one mold to create multiple engagement configurations that would traditionally require separate fixed molds.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If adjustable engagement configurations are implemented, then aesthetic appeal and design flexibility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomizable wall designsVSAvoidmold apparatus complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mold apparatus incorporates a movable insert that can be adjusted between predetermined positions, enabling customizable engagement configurations. This dynamic element provides design flexibility while maintaining a relatively simple overall mold structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable insert acts as an intermediary component between the fixed mold body and the final engagement cavity configuration. By adjusting the insert position, different engagement patterns are created without complex modifications to the entire mold apparatus.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11554521B2Adjustable locator retaining wall block and mold apparatus
Publication Date: 2023.01.17 PAVESTONE
  • US11554521B2 patent drawing
  • US11554521B2 patent drawing
  • US11554521B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system of retaining wall blocks, a method of assembling a retaining wall block assembly, and a mold for manufacturing retaining wall blocks having adjustable engagement configurations.