Interlocking Building Blocks With Elongated Dovetail Connectors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional building block systems face challenges in assembling and disassembling large structures due to the use of small-sized blocks, which are difficult to connect securely and efficiently.

Innovation Solution

An interlocking building block system featuring large-sized blocks with dovetail recesses and elongated connectors, such as double dovetail, double ellipse, or figure-eight shaped connectors, that facilitate secure and friction-reduced connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If small-sized building blocks are used, then the blocks can be easily manufactured and stored, but assembling and disassembling large structures becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidassembly efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the building block assembly into two functional segments: large-sized blocks for structural formation and separate connector elements for joining. This segmentation allows the blocks to be optimized for size and shape while connectors handle the joining function, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and assembly efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connectors serve as intermediary elements between building blocks, facilitating the joining process. These connectors with dovetail features enable easy attachment and detachment of blocks, significantly improving assembly and disassembly efficiency without compromising the ease of manufacturing the blocks themselves.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Volume of stationary object

If small-sized building blocks are used, then storage space is minimized, but building large-sized structures becomes challenging and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage volumeVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the building components into large blocks for structure and separate connectors for joining, allowing efficient storage of both components while enabling rapid assembly of large structures through the connector mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connectors act as intermediaries that enable quick connection of large blocks, reducing the time required to build large structures while maintaining compact storage volume for both blocks and connectors separately.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If conventional building blocks are used without specialized connection features, then the design is simple, but secure connection between blocks is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign complexityVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The building blocks incorporate localized dovetail recesses and protrusions at specific connection points, providing secure mechanical engagement where needed while maintaining simple block designs elsewhere. This local quality enhancement ensures reliable connections without significantly increasing overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

Dedicated connectors with complementary dovetail features serve as intermediaries that provide secure mechanical connections between blocks. These connectors ensure reliable joining through precise geometric fitting while keeping the block designs relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If friction between connecting surfaces is high, then connection stability is improved, but assembly and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidease of assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The dovetail geometry parameters are specifically designed to provide optimal friction characteristics: the angled surfaces create sufficient friction for stable connection during normal use, while the tapered shape allows controlled insertion and removal with reduced friction during assembly operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The dovetail features incorporate curved and tapered surfaces that guide the connection process, reducing friction during insertion and assembly while maintaining stable interlocking during normal use. The geometric curvature facilitates smooth engagement and disengagement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentUS12485360B2Interlocking building block system

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 BRICK X BRICK LLC

AI summary

An interlocking building block system is disclosed. The system may include a first building block, a second building block and an elongated connector. The first building block and the second building block may include a first recess and a second recess, respectively. The elongated connector may be configured to connect the first building block and the second building block. The elongated connector may include a first portion and a second portion connected to each other. The first portion may be configured to be inserted in the first recess and the second portion may be configured to be inserted in the second recess. Each of the first portion and the second portion may include an elongated wall and side walls. The elongated wall may include an elongated ridge at an elongated wall center portion disposed along an elongated wall length.