Anchoring Brick Recesses for Variable-Length Dry Stacking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing dry stacking systems are not suitable for erecting facades with bricks of varying length dimensions, as they require fixed dimensions and limited tolerances in brick length, making them incompatible with hand-moulded, form casted, or water-struck bricks.

Innovation Solution

A dry stacking system that incorporates anchoring bricks with recesses extending from the rear face to beyond the groove, allowing the wall tie to be positioned in multiple locations, enabling secure anchoring to a structure despite varying brick dimensions, and using grooves and locking elements for interlocking bricks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If wall ties are positioned between side faces of adjacent bricks, then the anchoring system works for fixed dimension bricks, but it cannot accommodate bricks with varying length dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to bricks of different lengthsVSAvoidbrick length tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from positioning wall ties laterally between brick side faces to positioning them vertically within recesses on brick faces. This dimensional shift allows the wall tie position to be adjusted along the vertical axis within the recess depth, accommodating variations in brick length while maintaining proper anchoring geometry.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The recess design allows the wall tie to be positioned at different vertical locations within the recess depth, providing dynamic positioning capability. This enables adaptation to bricks with varying length dimensions while maintaining secure anchoring, as the wall tie can be placed at the optimal position within the recess regardless of the specific brick length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If recesses are provided in brick side faces, then wall tie positioning flexibility is improved, but the recesses do not extend far enough to accommodate wall ties for bricks with varying dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewall tie positioning optionsVSAvoidrecess depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the recess location from the brick side face to the brick front or rear face, changing the dimensional orientation. This allows the recess to extend vertically through the brick thickness, providing sufficient depth for wall tie accommodation while enabling positioning flexibility for bricks of various lengths.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If fixed brick dimensions are used, then the dry stacking system can be implemented, but it excludes hand-moulded, form casted, or water-struck bricks with varying lengths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebrick production flexibilityVSAvoidcompatibility with different brick types
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The recess design provides a universal anchoring solution that works with bricks of varying lengths and different manufacturing types. By positioning the recess on the front or rear face and extending it vertically through the brick thickness, the system becomes compatible with hand-moulded, form casted, water-struck, and other brick types without requiring dimension-specific designs.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3835503B1Dry stacking system for erection of a facade
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 WIENERBERGER NV
  • EP3835503B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835503B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3835503B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention concerns an anchoring brick (2, 29) for a dry stacking system (1). The anchoring brick (2, 29) comprises a top face (8) and a bottom face (9), wherein the top face (8) and the bottom face (9) each have a groove (14, 15), wherein the groove (14) on the top face (8) is arranged almost directly above the groove (15) in the bottom face (9), wherein the grooves (14, 15) extend substantially along the length direction of this brick (2, 29). The brick (2, 29) has one or more recesses (16) in its top face (8) and/or its bottom face (9) for receiving a wall tie (6) therein, wherein each recess (16) extends from a rear face (10) to beyond the corresponding groove (14). A dry stacking system (1) comprises bricks (2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 29) with a flat top face (8) and a flat bottom face (9) in which a groove (14, 15) is provided in the length direction; a wall tie (6) and an anchoring clamping element (7) which can be attached to the wall tie (6) and in adjacent grooves (14, 15) of a top-stacked brick (2, 3, 4, 5, 27, 29) and a corresponding under-stacked brick (2, 3, 4, 5), wherein at least one brick (2, 29) is an anchoring brick (2, 29). The invention also concerns a facade (26) erected therewith and a method for erecting such a facade (26).