Concrete Block Pin Alignment Indicators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing modular concrete blocks face difficulties in aligning pins for interconnection between courses during wall construction, leading to instability and shifting of blocks.

Innovation Solution

The concrete building blocks feature pin receiving apertures with visible indicators on the ends, allowing for easier alignment of pins with channels in the blocks below, enhancing stability and preventing shifting during assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pins are used to interconnect blocks to prevent shifting, then wall stability is improved, but alignment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall stabilityVSAvoidalignment difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses visual indicators (such as colored markings or contrasting color features) on the blocks to guide proper alignment during assembly. These indicators provide visual feedback to the installer, making it easier to align pins with corresponding holes while maintaining the stability benefits of pinned construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces alignment features (such as guide pins, alignment holes, or visual markers) that act as intermediaries between the pin connection system and the installer. These features facilitate the alignment process without compromising the structural stability provided by the pin interconnection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Strength

If pin receiving apertures are positioned for secure connection, then interlocking strength is improved, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterlocking strengthVSAvoidalignment precision

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into multiple components: pin receiving apertures for structural strength, separate alignment features (such as guide holes or markers) for positioning precision, and visual indicators for installer guidance. This segmentation allows each feature to optimize its specific function without compromising the others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates pre-positioned alignment features and visual indicators that guide the installer in correctly positioning blocks before final pin insertion. This preliminary alignment action ensures that pins are inserted into the correct apertures with proper precision, maintaining both interlocking strength and alignment accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11359371B2Building block, wall constructions made from building blocks, and methods

Publication Date: 2022.06.14 ANCHOR WALL SYSTEMS INC

AI summary

A concrete building block includes indicators along each end to assist in aligning a pin placed in the block with a channel in a like block in a course below as a wall is being constructed.