Building Block Fastener Anchoring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building blocks face difficulties in secure interlocking, relying mainly on frictional engagement which is not entirely secure, limiting the structural integrity and stability of assembled structures.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of building blocks with complementary mating portions and a fastener anchoring device that allows for axial insertion and rotational engagement, enabling secure interlocking regardless of block orientation, using a fastener with a head portion, end portion, and shaft that can pass through multiple blocks unrestrained, with threaded engagement only at the destination block.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frictional engagement is used for interlocking building blocks, then ease of assembly is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The interlocking mechanism is divided into two independent functional segments: frictional engagement surfaces for ease of assembly and threaded fastener engagement for structural stability. The building blocks include both friction surfaces and through-bores with fastener anchoring devices, allowing the two mechanisms to work independently and simultaneously address both ease of assembly and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines two different interlocking mechanisms (frictional engagement and threaded fastener engagement) into a single building block system. The building blocks feature both friction surfaces and through-bores with fastener anchoring devices, merging the advantages of both mechanisms to achieve both ease of assembly and structural stability.
2Reliability
If threaded engagement is provided at all blocks, then structural stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threaded fastener engagement feature is applied locally only at the destination block rather than at all blocks. The building block serving as a destination block includes a through-bore with a fastener anchoring device, while intermediate blocks have through-bores without anchoring devices. This localized application reduces overall device complexity while maintaining structural stability where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of providing threaded engagement features at all building blocks, the patent applies the fastener anchoring device only partially - specifically at the destination block where structural stability is most critical. This partial action approach reduces complexity while achieving the necessary stability for the overall structure.
3Ease of operation
If frictional engagement is used for interlocking, then ease of disassembly is improved, but interlocking security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is segmented into two independent systems: frictional engagement for easy assembly and disassembly, and threaded fastener engagement for secure interlocking. The building blocks include both friction surfaces and through-bores with fastener anchoring devices, allowing users to choose the appropriate level of security for each connection while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges two complementary connection mechanisms into a single building block system. The friction surfaces enable easy assembly and disassembly, while the threaded fastener engagement provides secure interlocking when needed. Both mechanisms work together to simultaneously improve ease of operation and interlocking security.
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
This solution facilitates flexible and secure interlocking of building blocks in various orientations, enhancing structural stability and integrity by allowing threaded engagement only at the desired point, while the shaft remains unrestrained, enabling the construction of robust and versatile structures.
Implementation Method 1
the fastener comprises a head portion, an end portion and a shaft portion intermediate the head portion and the engagement means; wherein the engagement means on the end portion is adapted to be obstructed by the fastener anchoring device but is adapted to gain axial advancement and entry into engagement with the fastener anchoring device upon overcoming the obstruction by rotating into the fastener anchoring device
Data Source
Figure 1~1B
Figure 1C~1E
Figure 2~2B
AI summary
A building block (100) comprises a first mating portion and a second mating portion which are complementary. The first mating portion comprises a mating protrusion (140) which defines an axially extending through bore (144) and the second mating portion comprises an axially extending mating receptacle (180) which is complementary to the mating protrusion (140). The mating protrusion (140) and the mating receptacle (180) are in communication via the through bore (144), and a fastener anchoring device (146) adapted for engaging with an engagement means (920) of a fastener (900) is formed inside the through bore (144). The through bore (144) is adapted to permit axial insertion of the engagement means (920) of the fastener (900) into the mating protrusion (140). The fastener anchoring device (146) is adapted to obstruct axial passage of the engagement means (920) until the engagement means (920) overcomes the obstruction by negotiating rotationally with the fastener anchoring device (146) to thereby gain axial advancement and enter into engagement with the fastener anchoring device (146).