Angled Planter Block for Integrated Vegetated Walls

Solution Overview

Problem

Standard concrete blocks for exterior walls are not aesthetically appealing and do not allow for integrated planters that do not protrude from the wall, posing safety and movement hazards.

Innovation Solution

A concrete block design with a front wall angled inward and downward, creating a triangular interior space for soil and a forward space for plant growth, allowing seamless integration with standard blocks and enabling curved wall construction without protrusions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If pots or planters are placed on top of walls, then plants can be displayed, but they may blow off in high winds or fall from the wall

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The planter is merged with the wall structure itself, forming an integrated unit where the planter becomes part of the wall rather than a separate component. This is achieved by incorporating planter cavities directly into the wall blocks, eliminating the need for separate pots or planters that could fall or blow away.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If planters are placed in front of walls, then plants can be displayed, but they impede movement past the wall and may present a tripping hazard

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The planter is nested within the wall structure, with plantings contained inside recessed cavities formed by angled front walls. This nesting approach allows plants to be displayed while keeping them contained within the wall footprint, preventing obstruction of movement and eliminating tripping hazards.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a planter is affixed to the outer surface of the wall, then plants can be displayed, but it requires considerable effort to ensure the planter remains attached

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The planter and wall are merged into a single integrated structure during manufacturing. The planter cavities are formed as integral parts of the wall blocks, eliminating the need for separate attachment processes and ensuring permanent, secure integration without requiring additional effort to attach planters.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If modified blocks with protruding containers are used, then planters can be integrated into the wall, but they still protrude from the face of the wall causing movement impedance

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The front wall is designed with an asymmetric angle, slanting inward from the top toward the bottom. This asymmetric geometry creates recessed planter cavities that are set back from the vertical face of the wall, allowing plantings to be integrated into the wall while maintaining a flush exterior surface that does not protrude or impede movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentUS11457570B2Planter block

Publication Date: 2022.10.04

AI summary

A block used for constructing a wall, where the block is configured with a front wall angled inward and downward, forming a triangular interior space into which soil can be placed, such that plants placed in the soil will have access to the sun and rain due to the angled front wall of the block placed above it, thereby providing an integrated vegetated wall.