Hollow Block Connector System for Stiff Wall Joints
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing block systems for building structures face challenges in providing positive locking and continuous passages without requiring complex interlocking mechanisms, high manufacturing costs, and brittleness, which limits their use in building walls due to material constraints and handling issues.
Innovation Solution
A block and connector system featuring simple cut-outs in hollow blocks and a spool-like connecting element made of compliant material, allowing for easy assembly and providing stiff and tight interconnections while enabling vertical and horizontal passages, reducing manufacturing costs and handling risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If complex interlocking block structures with connection members are used to provide positive locking, then mechanical connection strength is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function is segmented between the block (providing cut-outs) and the separate connector element (providing positive locking). This allows each component to be simpler while achieving the same mechanical connection strength through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
A separate connector element acts as an intermediary between adjacent blocks, providing the positive locking mechanism without requiring complex integral connection members within the blocks themselves. The connector fits into cut-outs in both blocks to establish the mechanical connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If tight dimensional tolerances are enforced on blocks to enable proper interconnection, then connection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and handling difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The connector element is made from a compliant material that can deform elastically during assembly. This compliance allows the connector to accommodate dimensional variations in the blocks, enabling proper interconnection without requiring tight manufacturing tolerances on the blocks themselves.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant connector element acts as a flexible intermediary that can deform to accommodate misalignments and dimensional variations in the blocks, providing tolerance compensation that simplifies manufacturing requirements for the rigid block components.
3Quantity of substance
If cement and aggregate based composite materials are used for block interconnection, then material availability is improved, but stiffness and tightness of assembly decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant connector element serves as an intermediary that provides both flexibility for assembly and stiffness for the final connection. It compensates for the low stiffness of cement-based materials while maintaining material availability, as the connector can be made from various compliant materials including polymers or elastomers.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses a composite approach combining rigid blocks with compliant connector elements. The connector material is selected to provide both compliance for assembly and sufficient stiffness for the connected structure, potentially using composite or hybrid materials that balance these properties.
4Strength
If thick block walls are used to provide mechanical resistance to brittle ends and corners, then structural strength is improved, but passage space and thermal efficiency worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The structural reinforcement function is segmented from the main block body and concentrated at the connection points through the compliant connectors. This allows thinner walls with larger passage spaces while maintaining structural strength, as the connectors provide localized reinforcement where mechanical loads are applied.
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
The system achieves stiff and tight interconnections, reduces material costs, and enhances thermal conductivity and passage accessibility, making it suitable for various applications without the need for complex structures or brittle materials.
Implementation Method 1
As the connecting element may be formed of a compliant or resilient material, a stiff and tight assembly can be easily and accurately performed without requiring excessive block molding tolerances and handling care
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is concerned with a building system comprising i) at least first and second hollow blocks each having at least one side wall, and at least two end walls extending in at least one common direction, at least one of the walls in each block having a given thickness and being provided with a first cut-out extending throughout said wall thickness at a first free end of said wall, and ii) at least one connector element defining a cylindrical hollow body having a shape and size conforming with a perimeter corresponding to a juxtaposition of said first and second cut-outs for snug engagement within the perimeter, and at least one first flange projecting from a first end of the body and at least one second flange projecting from a second end of the body, said first and second flanges defining an intermediate spacing substantially equal to twice the value of said thickness. Thereby, the first block can be connected to the second block for erecting structures by registering cut-outs of adjacent walls against each other and connecting said adjacent walls together by snugly positioning the connector element in the cut-outs with first and second flanges abutting respectively on inner faces of each of the adjacent walls.