Building Block Alignment Tool With Frangible Removal Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building block alignment devices often leave remnants on the wall surface and struggle to accommodate variations in block dimensions, making removal difficult and affecting the wall's flatness.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a connecting element with a base plate and wedge receiving plate connected via frangible joints, allowing for alignment and easy removal without surface remnants, and accommodating dimensional variations through adjustable angles and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a squeezing device with external parts is used to align building blocks, then alignment function is achieved, but removal becomes difficult and remnants stick out of the wall
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a permanent internal part (connecting element) and temporary external parts (base plate and wedge receiving plate) connected by frangible joints. The external parts can be easily removed after alignment, leaving only the minimal connecting element within the wall joints, thus resolving the removal difficulty while maintaining alignment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful external parts (base plate and wedge receiving plate) are extracted from the final wall structure by designing frangible joints that allow easy breakage. These parts are only present during the alignment process and are removed afterward, eliminating remnants that would spoil the wall's flat surface.
2Reliability
If conventional squeezing devices are used, then alignment is achieved, but accidental variations in building block dimensions cannot be accommodated
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates adjustable elements including the position of the wedge receiving plate along the connecting element and the ability to adjust the wedge insertion depth. This dynamic adjustability allows the device to accommodate variations in building block dimensions while maintaining reliable alignment functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows changing of geometric parameters such as the distance between the connecting element and base plate, and the angle of the base plate (preferably 90° but adjustable). These parameter changes enable adaptation to different building block dimensions while preserving the alignment capability.
3Force
If external parts protrude on either side of the wall for pressing, then alignment pressure is applied, but the wall's flat surface is spoiled
Solution Approach 1:
The frangible joints are designed to be weak points that facilitate easy removal of external parts after they have served their purpose of applying alignment pressure. The harm of having protruding parts during construction is converted into a benefit by making their removal trivial, thus preserving the wall's flat surface without compromising the alignment pressure application.
4Measurement precision
If the device structure is made robust for alignment, then alignment precision is improved, but removal becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into robust internal components for precise alignment (connecting element) and removable external components (base plate, wedge receiving plate) connected by frangible joints. This segmentation allows the internal alignment mechanism to be robust while the external parts remain easy to remove, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and removal ease.
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
Ensures precise alignment of building blocks with minimal surface disruption, allowing for easy removal of the device and accommodating block irregularities, resulting in a smooth wall surface.
Implementation Method 1
The base plate and the wedge receiving plate are each connected to the connecting element via a frangible joint
Implementation Method 2
comprises an opening (6) designed for receiving a wedge (7)
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for aligning building blocks, comprising a connecting element and a base plate which is connected to one end of the connecting element, wherein the base plate extends from two opposite sides of the connecting element in a perpendicular manner or in an angle slightly less than perpendicular. The device further comprises a wedge receiving plate which is connected to the other end of the connecting element, is substantially in line with the connecting element and comprises an opening designed for receiving a wedge. The base plate and the wedge receiving plate are each connected to the connecting element via a frangible joint. Upon application of the device, the base plate, the wedge receiving plate and the wedge together squeeze the building blocks together so that they become aligned. As a last step, the base plate and the wedge receiving plate are broken off from the connecting element to leave the connecting element between the building blocks.