Landscape Wall Blocks with Curved Interlocking Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional landscaping blocks are inadequate for non-linear patterns, leading to aesthetic and structural issues due to large angular gaps and lack of flexibility, and existing solutions like mortar or interlocking designs have limitations in ease of assembly and range of motion.
Innovation Solution
The development of blocks with a male convex and female concave design, featuring circular protrusions and indentations, and cylindrical channels, allowing for secure horizontal and vertical coupling with a range of motion, and the use of molds to manufacture these blocks from moldable materials like concrete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional rectangular landscaping blocks are used in non-linear patterns, then the blocks can be assembled in straight lines, but large angular gaps appear between adjacent blocks reducing aesthetic appeal and structural integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by replacing conventional rectangular block shapes with blocks that have rounded corners and curved edges. This curvature allows blocks to be arranged in non-linear patterns without creating large angular gaps, as the rounded surfaces can accommodate various angles while maintaining continuous contact between adjacent blocks, thus preserving both aesthetic appeal and structural integrity.
2Reliability
If mortar is used between blocks to address gaps and maintain integrity, then structural integrity is improved, but ease of assembly is reduced and rearrangement is not allowed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism of mortar with a mechanical interlocking system. Blocks are designed with complementary convex and concave surfaces that physically interlock when assembled, providing structural integrity through mechanical means rather than chemical adhesion. This allows blocks to be easily assembled and disassembled without requiring mortar, while still maintaining strong connections.
3Reliability
If landscaping blocks are configured to interlock to maintain structural integrity, then reliability is improved, but range of motion and flexibility are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic interlocking system where blocks can rotate and adjust their orientation within the interlocked connection. The convex-concave surface design allows blocks to maintain mechanical interlocking while permitting rotational movement, enabling the structure to adapt to non-linear patterns and providing flexibility in arrangement without compromising structural integrity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If blocks are designed with convex and concave edges to permit rotation, then adaptability to non-linear patterns is improved, but the number of contact points between adjacent blocks is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enhances the interlocking mechanism by adding vertical interlocking features in addition to the horizontal convex-concave edges. This multi-dimensional approach creates multiple contact points between adjacent blocks, including both horizontal and vertical surfaces, thereby maintaining structural integrity while preserving the rotational capability that enables adaptability to non-linear patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally pertains to blocks for building landscape walls and similar structures, the molds used to make the blocks, and the methods for making the blocks. Such block can be securely coupled to another block. A block can be vertically coupled to another block by coupling the dorsal face of one block to the ventral face of another block. The block can be horizontally coupled by coupling the male side of one block to the female side of another block. A secure, exemplary landscape wall may be created by coupling the blocks both horizontally and vertically to reach a desired height, width, and shape.