Interlocking Building Element With Asymmetric Tenons
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Solution Overview
Problem
The construction of buildings, particularly in wood, is time-consuming and requires specialized intervention, and existing construction elements are not easily assembled to form walls or other structures.
Innovation Solution
A parallelepiped-shaped construction element with male-female interlocking assembly means, including tenons and recesses on side walls and markings on front walls for additional assembly points, allowing for easy assembly in various directions without the need for specialized tools or materials.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If construction elements use simple interlocking shapes, then assembly is easier, but assembly precision and structural stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating asymmetric interlocking features at specific locations on the construction elements. The protrusions and recesses are not uniformly distributed but strategically positioned to provide both ease of assembly and precise alignment. This localized differentiation of geometry allows the element to be easily assembled while maintaining high assembly precision at critical connection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetry by designing interlocking features with non-uniform geometry and distribution. The protrusions and recesses have asymmetric shapes and are positioned at unequal intervals, which provides both tactile guidance for easy assembly and precise positional registration. This asymmetric design prevents misalignment while maintaining simplicity of the interlocking mechanism.
2Strength
If construction elements require specialized assembly tools and materials, then assembly strength improves, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of alignment, connection, and strengthening into a single integrated interlocking mechanism. The protrusions and recesses are designed to simultaneously provide positional alignment, mechanical connection, and structural strength without requiring separate alignment tools, joining materials, or additional fastening components. This consolidation eliminates the need for specialized tools and materials while maintaining assembly strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The interlocking features are designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The asymmetric geometry of the protrusions and recesses automatically guides the elements into correct alignment during assembly, and the mechanical interlock inherently provides the necessary connection strength without requiring external tools, adhesives, or fasteners. The system serves itself by incorporating all necessary functions into the basic interlocking structure.
3Adaptability or versatility
If construction elements have multiple assembly directions, then versatility improves, but assembly precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing construction elements with interlocking features that function identically in multiple orientations and assembly directions. The protrusions and recesses are positioned and dimensioned so that the same geometric features provide precise alignment and connection whether the elements are assembled horizontally, vertically, or at angles. This universal design allows versatile multi-directional assembly while maintaining consistent assembly precision across all orientations.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a parallelepiped-shaped building element having two opposing and parallel front walls on either side of a perimeter formed by four opposing and parallel lateral walls, and comprising complementary male-female type assembly means which allow the element to be assembled by interlocking with other similar building elements, characterized in that said building element has complementary assembly means, in the form of tenons (T) on the external face of two of its contiguous lateral walls (1,4) and recesses (M, M') formed from the external face of its two other contiguous lateral walls (2,3), which allow the element to be assembled by interlocking with another similar building element by their lateral faces,said construction element further having on its external front faces means for locating receiving locations for other tenons or for creating other recesses, so as to provide additional assembly means for assembling said element with another similar construction element perpendicularly or frontally.