Building Block with Integrated Suspension Recesses

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building blocks lack the ability to easily suspend items such as shelves, seats, and lighting without the use of anchoring agents like plugs and chemical anchors, limiting flexibility and positioning options.

Innovation Solution

The integration of centrally and peripherally accessible recesses within the building blocks, allowing for suspension elements to be hooked without drilling, with drainage features to prevent water accumulation and maintain structural integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional building blocks without suspension features are used, then the basic building functionality is maintained, but the ability to suspend items without anchoring agents is lacking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to suspend itemsVSAvoidblock structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The building block is segmented by incorporating distinct recesses (central recess and peripheral recess) that serve specific suspension functions. These recesses are integrated into the block structure, allowing different types of items to be suspended at different locations without requiring additional anchoring components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The building block is designed with multi-functionality by including both central and peripheral recesses that can accommodate various suspension elements. This universal design allows the same block type to suspend different items (shelves, lights, flower boxes, etc.) at multiple positions, eliminating the need for specialized blocks for each suspension need.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If anchoring agents like plugs and chemical anchors are used to suspend items, then secure suspension is achieved, but the flexibility and positioning options are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in positioningVSAvoidsuspension security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension recesses are pre-formed as integral parts of the building block structure during manufacturing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site drilling, anchoring, or additional fastening operations, allowing flexible positioning of suspended items while maintaining structural security through the engineered recess geometry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If recesses are added to building blocks for suspension, then the ability to hook suspension elements is enabled, but water accumulation in recesses may cause structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuspension capabilityVSAvoidwater damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The recesses that could potentially trap water are designed with integrated drainage features that convert the potential harm of water accumulation into a beneficial drainage function. The drainage channels or holes in the recess bottoms redirect water away from the block interior, preventing structural damage while maintaining the suspension capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Data Source

PatentEP3015615B1Building block
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 MARLUX
  • EP3015615B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3015615B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3015615B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

This invention has as objective offering a building block that facilitates realization of building constructions onto which simple attributes can be hooked without the need for anchoring agents, such as plugs and chemical anchors that are fitted in the building construction afterwards. In this regard, the invention, in first instance, offers a building block (1) that is characterized by the presence of a centrally integrated recess (2) and a peripherally integrated recess (3), for hooking up suspension elements, where this centrally and peripherally integrated recess is accessible via one or more of the lateral faces of the building block. In this way, these recesses of the building block in a construction remain accessible from the outside after processing without drilling, impacting or breaking.