Construction Block Anchoring System with Vertical Movement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional block wall constructions anchored to building structures are prone to cracking and damage due to thermal expansion and moisture infiltration, and aesthetically unsatisfactory due to visible anchor members.
Innovation Solution
A system for anchoring construction blocks that includes an inter-block element insertable between blocks and an anchor with a coupler, allowing vertical movement relative to the anchor while remaining secured, which is self-draining and does not require mortar, thereby reducing the visibility of anchors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If rigid anchoring is used to secure block walls to wall support structures, then the wall construction achieves strong attachment and stability, but cracks and structural damage occur due to thermal expansion and foundation movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing rigid anchoring with a flexible coupling mechanism. The coupler allows vertical movement between the block wall and wall support structure, enabling the system to adapt to thermal expansion and foundation movement while maintaining attachment strength. This dynamic flexibility prevents crack formation while preserving structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the anchoring system from rigid (zero movement) to flexible (controlled vertical movement). By allowing vertical displacement within a predetermined range, the system can accommodate thermal expansion and contraction without developing cracks, thus resolving the contradiction between strength and reliability.
2Reliability
If anchor members are rigidly tied to wall support structure, then stable attachment is achieved, but visible anchors compromise the aesthetic uniformity of veneer brick walls
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible portion of the anchor system from the wall surface. By using couplers that connect to the blocks from behind or integrate with the block geometry, the visible aesthetic portion is removed or concealed, while the functional attachment stability remains through the coupler mechanism connected to the wall support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The anchoring system is nested within the wall construction. The couplers are integrated into the block wall structure itself, with the anchoring function hidden within the wall mass, allowing the outer veneer to maintain its uniform aesthetic appearance while the nested coupler system provides the necessary attachment stability.
3Strength
If conventional anchoring systems are used, then block walls can be securely attached, but moisture infiltration and freezing worsen crack propagation and cause block crumbling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of thermal expansion into a beneficial mechanism. By designing the coupler to accommodate vertical movement, the thermal expansion that would normally cause cracking is transformed into a controlled movement within the coupler's range, preventing damage while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupler mechanism provides beforehand cushioning by allowing vertical movement before moisture infiltration and freezing can occur. This pre-established movement capability prevents stress accumulation that would otherwise lead to crack propagation and block crumbling when moisture and temperature extremes occur.
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 system significantly reduces the likelihood of cracking and crumbling, enhances durability by allowing for thermal movement, and maintains a uniform aesthetic by concealing the anchoring system.
Implementation Method 1
the anchoring portion and the inter-block element are movable vertically relative to each other over a predetermined range of motion
Data Source
AI summary
A system for anchoring a wall including superposed rows of construction blocks to an adjacent upstanding structure, each row including a plurality of the construction blocks, the system comprising: an inter-block element insertable between adjacent ones of the construction blocks and securable thereto; and an anchor including an anchoring portion securable to the upstanding structure and a coupler, the coupler securing the anchor and the inter-block element to each other with the anchoring portion at a predetermined distance from the inter-block element and such that with the anchoring portion operatively secured to the upstanding structure and the inter-block element operatively inserted between the adjacent ones of the construction blocks and secured thereto, the anchoring portion and the inter-block element are movable vertically relative to each other over a predetermined range of motion with the anchor remaining secured to the inter-block element. Also a wall including the system.