Construction Element Ribbon Thickness for Masonry Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction elements with extra thicknesses for masonry require precise adjustment and complex manufacturing, leading to increased costs and aesthetic issues due to visible interruptions in mortar joints, which affect the stability and appearance of masonry.
Innovation Solution
A construction element with a ribbon-shaped extra thickness on its underside, extending around the perimeter, allows for easier manufacturing and reduced mortar usage, maintaining traditional aesthetics by not interrupting the joint, and improving buoyancy on mortar beds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If extra thicknesses are applied to the upper face of construction elements to enable self-alignment during masonry construction, then the self-alignment capability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity and cost increase due to required polishing and height adjustment operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the extra thickness on the lower face instead of the upper face of the construction element. This inversion eliminates the need for polishing and height adjustment operations while maintaining the self-alignment capability during masonry construction, as the extra thickness now directly engages with the mortar bed to provide alignment.
2Stability of the object's composition
If extra thicknesses extend to the longitudinal outer faces of construction elements to provide stability, then the stability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible interruptions in mortar joints
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by positioning the extra thickness offset from the longitudinal outer faces of the construction element. This asymmetric placement allows the extra thickness to engage with the mortar for stability while leaving the longitudinal outer faces clear to maintain continuous, uninterrupted mortar joints for aesthetic appearance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If extra thicknesses are applied to construction elements to reduce mortar crushing and increase stability, then the masonry stability is improved, but the construction speed decreases due to interrupted mortar application
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the extra thickness from the longitudinal outer faces and repositions it on the lower face offset from the edges. This extraction allows mortar to be applied continuously along the longitudinal faces without interruption, maintaining construction speed while the offset positioned extra thickness still provides stability by engaging with the mortar bed.
4Ease of operation
If multiple extra thicknesses of different heights are applied to the upper face to delimit different regions, then the self-alignment function is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase due to strict dimensional tolerance standards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the alignment function in a specific location - the extra thickness on the lower face that directly contacts the mortar bed. This localized approach eliminates the need for multiple extra thicknesses of different heights, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining effective self-alignment.
Data Source
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AI summary
Construction element (1), in particular a concrete block, for the construction of masonry where the construction elements are superimposed and juxtaposed with each other and separated by joints, which construction element has an extra thickness (6) applied to one face of the construction element which extends substantially horizontally when the construction element is part of the masonry, which construction element has at least two cavities (9, 10) which extend essentially vertically when the construction element is part of the masonry, which extra thickness (6) extends substantially around the perimeter of the construction element and is arranged offset from at least the outer longitudinal faces (2) of the construction element.