Dry Cast Concrete Block with Inset Keys and Rod Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current concrete block technologies lack design flexibility, cost-effectiveness, and ease of installation for constructing structures like walls, particularly in achieving desired shapes and orientations such as straight and curved configurations.
Innovation Solution
The development of dry cast concrete blocks with specific features like inset regions for keying, rod-receiving apertures for attachment, and angled contact surfaces allows for flexible assembly and connection, enabling the creation of various block assemblies and arrangements that can form straight or curved walls, including retaining walls, through a method that involves orienting keys and using fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional concrete blocks are used, then manufacturing is simple, but design flexibility and ease of installation are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block is divided into multiple functional segments: inset regions for keying, rod-receiving apertures for attachment, and angled contact surfaces for orientation. Each segment serves a specific purpose in achieving design flexibility while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through modular feature integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The block incorporates multiple connection methods (keying, rod attachment, angular contact) within a single block design, allowing it to serve multiple assembly functions. This multi-functionality enables both straight and curved wall configurations while improving ease of installation through varied connection options.
2Productivity
If traditional concrete blocks are used, then manufacturing is straightforward, but construction time and cost effectiveness are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Connection features (inset regions, rod apertures, angled surfaces) are pre-formed during block manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site modifications. This preliminary action enables rapid assembly by simply inserting keys and rods into pre-positioned receptacles, significantly reducing construction time.
Solution Approach 2:
The block features self-aligning and self-securing mechanisms where keys automatically engage with inset regions and rods self-position within apertures. This self-service characteristic eliminates complex alignment procedures and speeds up installation while maintaining structural integrity.
3Shape
If traditional concrete blocks are used, then assembly is simple, but ability to form complex shapes and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable connection features that can adapt to different assembly configurations. The rod-receiving apertures and inset regions can be oriented in various directions, allowing the same block type to form both straight and curved walls while maintaining ease of assembly through standardized connection interfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A concrete block includes a dry cast concrete body having opposite first and second sides, opposite first and second end faces extending between the first and second sides, and opposite first and second bearing faces extending between the first and second sides and the first and second end faces. Each of the first and second bearing faces defines an inset region sized to receive a key that will also fit into the inset region of a like block stacked thereon. The body has at least a pair of rod-receiving apertures extending completely therethrough between the first and second sides to permit attachment to a like block through the first and second sides with a rod extending through each of the apertures. The block can be tapered to form curved walls.