Interlocking Blocks with Tangential Joints for Robotic Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing construction methods, such as traditional bricks and current 3D printing, face challenges in assembling large-scale structures due to reliance on frictional locking, adhesive materials, and inefficiencies in robotic handling, especially in hostile environments like underwater or space.
Innovation Solution
A set of interlocking blocks with specific joint configurations, including central male and female joints, edge-associated joints, and open-ended joints, allowing for robust, adhesive-free connections suitable for robotic assembly and disassembly, enabling the construction of large structures with pure translations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If frictional locking is used to connect blocks, then assembly is simplified, but reliability deteriorates when external forces are applied
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces friction-based mechanical locking with a geometric interlocking mechanism using tangential joints. The male and female joints create a tangential connection where the joint surfaces are parallel to the interface between blocks, providing mechanical interlocking that resists external forces without relying on friction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameter from friction-dependent to geometry-dependent by designing joints with specific orientations. The tangential joint configuration ensures that connection strength depends on the geometric fit and interlocking shape rather than friction coefficients, making it reliable under external forces.
2Strength
If adhesive materials are used to connect blocks, then connection strength is improved, but ease of manufacture and assembly deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates adhesive materials from the connection system, relying solely on mechanical interlocking through tangential joints. The design achieves connection strength without adhesives by using geometric fitting and interlocking male-female joint configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The blocks perform their own connection function through self-complementary tangential joints that automatically interlock when brought together. The male and female joints are designed to fit together without requiring external adhesives or fasteners, making the system self-sufficient for connection.
3Strength
If traditional bricks with cement are used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation for robotic handling deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the connection function into separate male and female joints that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows robotic systems to handle and assemble blocks without dealing with cement, as the mechanical joints can be connected through simple insertion and interlocking motions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the cement-based mechanical system with a dry mechanical interlocking system using tangential joints. This substitution enables robotic handling because the blocks can be assembled through precise positioning and insertion without requiring cement application, curing time, or complex bonding operations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If 3D printing is used for construction, then design flexibility is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to sequential construction requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the structure into standardized modular blocks with uniform tangential joints, enabling parallel assembly of multiple blocks simultaneously. This segmentation allows robotic systems to assemble multiple blocks in parallel rather than sequentially, dramatically improving productivity while maintaining design flexibility through modular configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates universal blocks with standardized tangential joint interfaces that can be used in multiple configurations and positions. This universality allows different blocks to be assembled in parallel by robotic systems using the same connection methodology, improving construction speed while maintaining design adaptability through various arrangement possibilities.
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 interlocking block system provides a structurally strong, modular, and reusable solution for assembling large structures without adhesives, suitable for diverse environments, with advantages in assembly efficiency, disassembly, and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
these systems often rely on frictional locking that can be hard to achieve, and unreliable for large systems when external forces are applied
Implementation Method 2
a third face including a first edge-associated male joint, the first edge-associated male joint located substantially along an edge of the third face and configured for tangential connection to an edge-associated female joint
Data Source
AI summary
A set of interlocking blocks consists a plurality of first blocks and a plurality of second blocks capable of forming kinematic interlock. Each of the first blocks and second blocks comprise at least one male joint and female joint for mating with its counterpart. The motion of the first blocks and second blocks are constrained by joints. Subsequent first blocks and/or second blocks reinforce and immobilize prior first blocks and/or second blocks. Assembly of an interlock structure consisting the set of interlocking blocks may be performed via translation motions.