Insulated Interlocking Superblocks for Structural Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional construction block systems require large amounts of steel rebars and concrete, leading to higher costs and reduced efficiency in insulation and structural strength, while also lacking integrated insulation features.

Innovation Solution

Development of insulated, interlocking superblocks made from recycled polystyrene and cement, featuring staggered vertical and horizontal configurations with integrated channels for concrete and rebar insertion, allowing for self-aligned assembly and reduced material usage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional block systems use large amounts of steel rebars and concrete, then structural strength is improved, but cost increases and insulation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidamount of steel rebars and concrete
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite materials by combining recycled polystyrene (insulating material) with cement (structural material) to create superblocks that provide both insulation and structural strength simultaneously. This composite approach eliminates the need for separate steel rebar reinforcement and concrete filling, reducing material quantity while maintaining strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of insulation, structural support, and reinforcement into a single integrated superblock system. The interlocking design combines multiple functional elements (insulation layers, structural cores, connection mechanisms) into unified blocks that eliminate the need for separate steel rebar and concrete components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If conventional block systems use large amounts of steel rebars and concrete, then structural strength is improved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs recycled polystyrene, a low-cost material, as the primary insulating component of the superblocks. By using inexpensive recycled materials instead of expensive steel rebars and concrete, the system achieves structural strength at a fraction of the cost while maintaining durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite construction using recycled polystyrene and cement creates a cost-effective alternative to traditional steel and concrete systems. The material combination leverages the low cost of recycled insulation materials while achieving sufficient structural strength through the cement matrix and interlocking design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Device complexity

If conventional block systems lack integrated insulation features, then structural simplicity is maintained, but insulation efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidinsulation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges insulation functionality directly into the superblock structure itself. The recycled polystyrene forms an integral part of the block composition, eliminating the need for separate insulation layers or systems. This integration maintains system simplicity while achieving high insulation efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The composite superblock design inherently provides insulation through the recycled polystyrene component. This material integration eliminates the need for additional insulation systems, maintaining structural simplicity while delivering superior thermal performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If conventional block systems require separate insulation and structural components, then material versatility is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvematerial versatilityVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple materials and functions into a single superblock unit. The interlocking design integrates insulation, structural support, and connection mechanisms into one assembly operation, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and significantly increasing assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The superblock system uses segmented, modular units with standardized interlocking features. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly through simple stacking and interlocking operations, maintaining material versatility while dramatically improving productivity through reduced assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution provides a cost-effective, structurally stronger building system with integrated insulation, reducing the need for steel rebars and concrete while maintaining long-lasting durability and ease of installation.

Implementation Method 1

Superblocks are made with recycled polystyrene and cement and allow for the means of insulating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal insulation: Thermal Insulation

Data Source

PatentUS10472822B1Insulated interlocking superblocks for constructing and supporting structural elements of a building
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 CASTRO JUAN DIEGO
  • US10472822B1 patent drawing
  • US10472822B1 patent drawing
  • US10472822B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An insulated interlocking superblock assembly enables the quick and convenient construction and support of structural elements of a building. At least one all-structure is utilized to construct a wall for the building. The wall-structure includes a planar base body, a first lining, a second lining, and a plurality of interlocking features. The planar base body is constructed out of a plurality of blocks. Further, the plurality of blocks is arranged into a grid pattern to form a continuous planar structure. A corresponding feature from the plurality of features engages an arbitrary block to an adjacent block, thereby allowing the planar base body to be rapidly erected. The first lining is attached along a first lengthwise edge of the planar base body. Similarly, the second lining is attached along a second lengthwise edge of the planar base body, thereby allowing the attachment of the ceiling and the floor.