Interlocking Bio-Composite Blocks with Embedded Tensioning

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing structural blocks in construction lack integration of both load-bearing and insulating properties, as well as reinforcement and tension-bearing capabilities.

Innovation Solution

The development of structural blocks with embedded members and apertures that allow for interlocking and the incorporation of a tensioning system, enabling both load-bearing and tension-bearing attributes, along with insulating properties, through a composition of bio-fibers and lime-based materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If structural blocks are designed to be load bearing, then strength is improved, but insulating properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload bearing capabilityVSAvoidinsulating properties

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The block combines a load-bearing shell made of high-strength material (cement, concrete, or stone) with an insulating core made of lightweight material (expanded polystyrene beads, perlite, or vermiculite). This composite structure allows the outer shell to bear loads while the internal core provides thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and insulating properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Temperature

If structural blocks are designed with insulating properties, then thermal conductivity is reduced, but load bearing capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsulating propertiesVSAvoidload bearing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The block combines a load-bearing shell made of high-strength material (cement, concrete, or stone) with an insulating core made of lightweight material (expanded polystyrene beads, perlite, or vermiculite). This composite structure allows the outer shell to bear loads while the internal core provides thermal insulation, resolving the contradiction between strength and insulating properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

3Adaptability or versatility

If embedded members are added to provide tension bearing capabilities, then device complexity is improved, but manufacturing ease deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetension bearing capabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Metal reinforcement bars or mesh are embedded within the block during the manufacturing process, before the final curing or setting of the cementitious material. This preliminary embedding ensures proper positioning and integration of tension-bearing elements without requiring complex post-manufacturing assembly steps, thus resolving the contradiction between adaptability and manufacturing ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10113305B2Load bearing interlocking structural blocks and tensioning system

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 JUST BIOFIBER STRUCTURAL SOLUTIONS CORP

AI summary

Construction materials intended for use as structural elements, such as structural blocks, used in the construction of buildings and civil engineering structures. The blocks can comprise hemp hurd and fibers, flax fiber, hydraulic lime and hydrated lime. In one aspect, the blocks may comprise a body shape configured so as to allow it to interlock with other blocks in the construction of a structure. In another aspect, the blocks may be adapted to incorporate tensioning means. Methods for manufacturing the blocks and structures comprising such materials and methods for building such structures are also disclosed.