Interlocking Modular Building Units for Mortar-Free Utility Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

The construction industry faces challenges in creating cost-effective, environmentally friendly, and structurally strong building components that can withstand high load stresses while minimizing material and labor costs, and requiring easy installation and integration of auxiliary systems like plumbing and electrical wiring.

Innovation Solution

Modular blocks and panels with integrated connection elements that allow for mortar-free assembly, incorporating hybrid construction materials with recycled content, and featuring vertical and horizontal bores for passage of utilities and reinforcement, along with software for design and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional construction materials and methods are used, then structural strength can be achieved, but material and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The construction system is divided into modular blocks and panels that can be manufactured independently and assembled on-site. Each module is designed with standardized connection elements, allowing for simplified manufacturing processes and reduced material waste, thereby lowering construction costs while maintaining structural integrity through the modular assembly approach

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs hybrid construction materials combining traditional materials with recycled content and innovative additives. This composite approach enhances structural strength while reducing material costs through the use of cost-effective materials and recycled content, addressing both the strength requirement and cost reduction goal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Strength

If heavy construction components are used, then structural strength is improved, but transportation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidcomponent weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the structure into smaller modular blocks and panels, the system reduces the weight of individual components that need to be transported. The modular design allows for easier handling and transportation while the connection elements ensure that the assembled structure achieves the required structural strength, effectively resolving the contradiction between weight and strength

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If complex connection systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements are designed to enable self-assembly of the modular blocks and panels. The standardized connection system allows workers to assemble structures quickly and easily without requiring complex tools or specialized skills, thereby simplifying installation while maintaining structural stability through the inherently stable connection design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection elements are designed with universal functionality to work across different modular blocks and panels. This standardized approach simplifies installation by using the same connection mechanism throughout the structure, reducing installation complexity while ensuring consistent structural stability across all connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Productivity

If modular components are used, then installation speed is improved, but connection reliability must be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection elements are pre-designed and pre-configured into the modular blocks and panels during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation ensures that the connections are ready for immediate assembly on-site, enabling rapid installation while maintaining high connection reliability through the pre-engineered connection design that ensures proper fit and structural integrity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12385248B2Structural units for building construction and methods of use thereof

Publication Date: 2025.08.12 NEW VILLAGE INITIATIVE LLC

AI summary

An interlocking system of modular units engageable to form vertically and horizontally stable assemblies. The modular units include blocks and modular panels, each having vertical and optional horizontal bores that provide passage for plumbing, electrical wiring, and other connectivity. The modular units may be formed of lightweight cementitious materials, and may find use in assemblies such as walls, floors, ceilings, roofs, and entire building structures.