CMU Blocks with Lumber Pockets for Structural Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing concrete masonry unit (CMU) blocks are too small and require a large number of units for assembly, making them aesthetically unpleasing and time-consuming to construct, as they are scaled to match dimensional lumber sizes, resulting in voids that are not visually appealing and necessitate more material usage.

Innovation Solution

CMU blocks with larger overall dimensions and recesses to accommodate dimensional lumber, allowing for quicker and more substantial-looking structure assembly, with the option to have recesses facing inward for a seamless appearance, and capable of receiving various structural components beyond lumber.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If CMU blocks are scaled to match dimensional lumber sizes, then the blocks can be assembled with lumber to create structures, but the blocks look small and insubstantial and require a large number of units

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with dimensional lumberVSAvoidvisual appearance and substantiality

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The CMU block incorporates a recess that creates a pocket structure, adding a dimensional feature that accommodates lumber while maintaining the block's overall larger dimensions. This recess allows the block to serve dual purposes: maintaining visual substantiality through larger external dimensions while providing a functional interface for lumber integration through the internal pocket.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If CMU blocks are scaled to match dimensional lumber sizes, then the blocks can be assembled with lumber, but a large number of units are required for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with dimensional lumberVSAvoidassembly speed and efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The CMU block is segmented to include an internal recess that creates a pocket structure. This segmentation allows the block to integrate with lumber components within the recess, reducing the total number of blocks needed for assembly while maintaining compatibility with standard dimensional lumber sizes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If recesses are included in CMU blocks to receive dimensional lumber, then the blocks can accommodate structural components, but the overall dimensions need to be larger to maintain visual substantiality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecapability to receive structural componentsVSAvoidblock size and material usage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The CMU block features a recess that creates a pocket structure, effectively nesting a smaller functional space within the larger block volume. This nested recess accommodates dimensional lumber and other structural components, allowing the block to provide both structural support and component housing without requiring entirely separate elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentUS9574339B2Concrete masonry unit blocks with dimensional lumber pockets and assemblies of blocks and lumber

Publication Date: 2017.02.21 OLDCASTLE ARCHITECTURAL

AI summary

Concrete masonry unit blocks with recesses providing pockets sized to receive dimensional lumber components, enabling easy design and fabrication of block and lumber assemblies, typically using construction adhesive to bond the blocks to each other. Various dimensions and shapes of blocks are possible, as well as numerous shapes and sizes of pocket-forming recesses in the blocks. A wide variety of attractive and functional structures can be built with the blocks of this invention and widely-available dimensional lumber.