Block Structural Assembly with Internal Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing structural assembly techniques using blocks are sensitive to earthquakes, require extensive foundations, and are difficult to disassemble, especially post-stressed structures, which limits their reuse and stability.
Innovation Solution
A structural assembly method where adjacent blocks are connected using a tensioned assembly device housed within the blocks, allowing for compression and preventing sliding, enabling easy disassembly and reuse, with the device being concealed for aesthetic purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If gravity is used to hold blocks together, then the structure is simple to assemble, but it requires extensive foundations and is sensitive to earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device is pre-tensioned during assembly to create immediate compression between blocks, eliminating the need for extensive foundations and providing inherent stability against earthquakes before the structure is fully loaded
2Stability of the object's composition
If post-stressing is used to compress blocks, then stability is improved, but the structure becomes difficult to disassemble and requires surplus elastic energy
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device uses a dynamic tensioning mechanism that can be easily released, allowing the structure to be disassembled without requiring excessive force or causing damage, while maintaining compression during assembly
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning element can be extracted or released from the assembly device, allowing for easy disassembly of the block structure while maintaining the compression benefit during the assembled state
3Force
If post-stressing is used to compress blocks, then compression transmission is improved, but the mass becomes naturally important requiring appropriate foundations
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device creates immediate compression between blocks during assembly, transmitting forces effectively without requiring the structure to be massive or require extensive foundations
4Adaptability or versatility
If traditional gravity-based structures are used, then blocks can be reused by disassembly, but the disassembly process is delicate and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The assembly device uses a dynamic tensioning mechanism that can be quickly released, allowing for rapid disassembly and reuse of blocks without the delicate shifting phase required by gravity-based structures
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The method enhances stability, facilitates easy assembly and disassembly, and promotes sustainable development by allowing for the reuse of blocks, improving structural integrity and reducing foundation requirements.
Implementation Method 1
this compression generates resistance to sliding by friction (which may be accompanied by other sliding restraint systems, such as grips, studs, etc.)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a structural assembly (10) including a plurality of adjacent blocks connected together, comprising:a first block (12) having a first side (12a) and a second side (12b);a second block (14) having a first side (14a) and a second side (14b), the second side (12b) of the first block (12) bearing against the first side (14a) of the second block (14);a first assembly device (20) connecting the first and second blocks (12, 14) together, the first assembly device (20) being entirely housed in the first and second blocks, the first assembly device (20) being tensioned so as to compress the first and second blocks (12, 14) against each other.