Interlocking block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional building blocks in shapes close to a rectangular parallelepiped are not proportional, limiting the ability to form frameworks, and the limited number of block types restricts creativity in structure building.
Innovation Solution
An interlocking block with a pillar-shaped base featuring bilateral symmetry cutouts, allowing for assembly with identical blocks by inserting thin and thick parts into the cutouts, enabling the creation of complex structures and furniture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional rectangular parallelepiped blocks are used, then manufacturing is simple, but the ability to form frameworks is limited due to improper proportions
Solution Approach 1:
The block is segmented into functional zones: a body portion and four end portions (two thick, two thin). This segmentation allows each zone to serve specific structural purposes - the thick end portions provide stability for vertical elements while thin portions enable horizontal connections, achieving proper framework proportions without overly complex manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the block have different properties - the thick end portions have greater width/thickness for structural support, while thin portions have reduced dimensions for interlocking. This local differentiation enables the block to form proper framework structures with appropriate member proportions
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of blocks are provided, then structural variety is improved, but the limited number of each block type restricts creativity
Solution Approach 1:
The block design enables a single block type to serve multiple functions - it can form vertical pillars, horizontal beams, corner joints, and connecting elements. The asymmetric thick/thin end portion design allows the same block to create various structural configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized block types while maintaining structural variety
Solution Approach 2:
The block combines multiple functional features into one element - it integrates interlocking surfaces, varying thicknesses for different structural roles, and framework-forming capabilities. This merging allows unlimited creativity with a single block type, as each block contains the versatility previously requiring multiple specialized blocks
3Ease of operation
If blocks have simple rectangular shapes, then ease of operation is high, but the ability to build complex assemblies is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The block is divided into simple geometric segments (body and end portions) that maintain ease of manufacturing and handling, while the segmented structure enables complex assembly patterns. The clear distinction between thick and thin portions provides intuitive assembly guidance, keeping operation simple while achieving complex framework capabilities
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2(a)~2(c)
Figure 3(a)~3(b)
AI summary
An interlocking block 10 is configured to be assembled with another interlocking block having the same shape and the same size, and has a base in the shape of a pillar extending in a predetermined direction which has a surface 17 formed with a pair of cutouts 12 in bilateral symmetry. The width and the thickness of an end surface 16 are the same. When the width of the end surface 16 is W, the length of the surface 17 in the predetermined direction is 6W, and the distance from the end surface 16 to one of the pair of cutouts 12 is W, and the length of the cutout is W, and the depth of the cutout is W/2.