Block Interlocking Module with Trapezoidal Dovetail Joints

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Masonry construction faces challenges due to non-uniformity in building block dimensions caused by shrinkage and warping, and the weakness of mortar, which affects the strength, water tightness, and uniformity of the structure.

Innovation Solution

The use of preformed building block units with a block interlocking module (BIM) featuring trapezoidal joints, where a polymer layer is applied to the block to create a dimensionally accurate, self-aligning, and self-leveling modular building unit that interlocks with adjacent units, eliminating the need for mortar and enhancing structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If traditional mortar-based masonry construction is used, then building blocks can be joined together, but the structure suffers from non-uniform dimensions, weakness, and poor water tightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedimensional uniformityVSAvoidconstruction system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the construction into standardized modular units (building blocks with integrated interlocking features) that eliminate the need for separate mortar application, achieving dimensional uniformity through precise manufacturing of discrete components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines building blocks with integrated polymer or metal interlocking features to create a composite construction system that eliminates mortar while maintaining structural integrity and improving dimensional precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If mortar is used to bond building blocks, then joints are formed, but the mortar becomes the weak link with lower compressive and tensile strength

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidmortar quality consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates mortar from the construction system by implementing direct mechanical interlocking features between building blocks, removing the weak link while maintaining joint strength through precision-engineered connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of mortar with a mechanical interlocking system featuring precision-machined surfaces and integrated connectors that provide superior strength and reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If mortar is used for bonding, then building blocks are connected, but water tightness is compromised due to mortar permeability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater infiltrationVSAvoidconstruction simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes mortar from the construction system and replaces it with precision-machined interlocking features that create tight, permeability-resistant joints, eliminating water infiltration pathways while maintaining construction simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Productivity

If traditional masonry methods are used, then building blocks can be laid, but significant labor and curing time are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction speedVSAvoidcuring time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces the time-dependent chemical curing process of mortar with immediate mechanical interlocking, eliminating curing time and enabling rapid assembly while increasing construction productivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates interlocking features directly into the building blocks during manufacturing, performing the joining action in advance and eliminating the need for on-site mortar application and curing, thereby accelerating construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10273685B2Block interlocking module and system to build architectural structures

Publication Date: 2019.04.30 MARTINEZ LAZARO

AI summary

An interlocking module including a panel and one or more trapezoidal elongations extending from any of the first end face, the second end face, the first side face, the second end face, the upper face or the lower face of the panel, wherein the one or more trapezoidal elongations each include a dovetail joint. The interlocking module further including one or more members, wherein each of the one or more members emanates from each of the one or more trapezoidal elongations, and wherein each of the one or more members emanates in a perpendicular direction relative to each of the upper and the lower faces of the panel. The upper face includes a plurality of apertures, wherein each of the plurality of apertures is configured for receiving a pin from a member of a second module for interlocking the second module and a first module. The panel and the one or more members of the interlocking module define a void space for receiving a standard sized building block within the void space.