Building Blocks With Through Holes For Flexible Column Placement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building construction methods require precise alignment of building blocks, result in high costs and complex logistics, and provide limited strength due to the need for separate blocks for openings and fixed column spacing, making it difficult to construct flexible and cost-effective buildings with a support structure solely made of columns.

Innovation Solution

A method involving building blocks with through holes and anchoring means that allow for the placement of column reinforcing elements connected to the anchoring means via a curable construction material, enabling flexible positioning and increased strength of supporting columns, and allowing for modifications and changes during construction, with the use of thermally insulating materials like EPS and concrete.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If building blocks are stacked together in carefully aligned relationship with through holes positioned in line, then supporting columns can be formed to provide strength, but construction complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestrength of supporting columnsVSAvoidconstruction process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the supporting column into multiple segments: anchoring means embedded in the base, through-holes in building blocks, column reinforcing means placed in through-holes, and curable construction material filling the gaps. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured and positioned independently, reducing construction complexity while maintaining column strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring means are pre-embedded in the base during base construction, and building blocks are pre-formed with through-holes. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for precise alignment during construction, as the through-holes naturally align with the anchoring means, simplifying the construction process while ensuring proper column formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate building blocks are produced for positions where window openings, door openings or the like are planned, then openings can be created, but costs and construction difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility for openingsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention uses uniform building blocks with through-holes for all wall positions, regardless of whether openings are needed. The same basic block type serves multiple functions: structural support where columns are needed and open space where openings are needed. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost compared to producing specialized blocks for different positions.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The invention allows flexible determination of opening positions during construction by simply not placing building blocks at desired opening locations. The wall structure adapts dynamically to opening requirements without requiring pre-planned specialized blocks, enabling easy modifications to the basic design during construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Strength

If the strength provided by columns is limited, then construction of buildings with support structure solely made of columns becomes impossible or very difficult, but adding more columns increases material usage and cost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebearing capacity of supporting columnsVSAvoidamount of column reinforcing material
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The invention creates composite supporting columns by combining column reinforcing means (steel bars, fibers, or other reinforcement) with curable construction material (concrete, mortar, or other binding material) within the through-holes. This composite structure significantly increases the bearing capacity of each column, allowing fewer columns to support the building load, thereby reducing total material usage while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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

This method simplifies and reduces the cost of construction, allows for flexible design modifications, and enhances the structural strength of buildings by providing strong supporting columns that can be positioned as needed, reducing the number of columns required while maintaining high thermal insulation values.

Implementation Method 1

the through hole is filled with a curable construction material for forming a reinforced supporting column that is attached to the anchoring means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCuring:

Implementation Method 2

anchoring means in the aforesaid base, which anchoring means extend from the base into the aforesaid through hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical anchorage: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

The building blocks may be made of a thermally insulating material, such as expanded polystyrene (EPS) or polyurethane

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentEP2707550B1Method for constructing a building
Publication Date: 2018.04.04 VERZUU BEHEER
  • EP2707550B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2707550B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2707550B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a wall construction and to a building having such a wall construction. The invention further relates to a method for constructing a building. According to the invention, there is provided a wall construction which comprises a stack of building blocks, through which a hole extends. In said through hole, column reinforcing means are provided, which are connected, by means of a cured construction material, such as concrete, to anchoring means projecting from the base.