Interlocking Wall Block System with Segmented Cross Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall construction methods fail to provide a system that is easily disassemblable for reuse while meeting building physics and energetic requirements, and they often rely on screws for assembly and stability, which complicates construction and deconstruction.
Innovation Solution
A wall block system comprising interlocking wall blocks with multiple sets of cross elements and protrusions/recesses that allow vertical stacking and sliding, eliminating the need for screws and enabling easy assembly and disassembly, while providing structural stability against bending moments and allowing for reuse.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If screws are used for assembly and stability, then structural strength is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to complicated construction and deconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The wall block is divided into multiple cross elements (first, second, and third cross elements) that extend between the front and back panels. Each cross element can be independently configured with protrusions or recesses, allowing the structure to achieve strength through distributed interlocking rather than relying on screw fasteners. This segmentation enables modular assembly where blocks connect through their respective cross elements without requiring additional fastening hardware.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a single protrusion extends laterally along the full width of the wall block, then structural stability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in assembling wall blocks
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single long protrusion spanning the full width of the wall block, the invention divides the lateral connection into multiple separate protrusions associated with different cross elements. Each protrusion engages with a corresponding recess in a localized area, allowing the wall block to be assembled by sliding into position without requiring lateral movement across the entire width. This segmented approach maintains stability through distributed engagement while significantly improving assembly ease.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wall blocks are designed for easy disassembly and reuse, then adaptability and sustainability are improved, but structural strength and stability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection between wall blocks is designed to be dynamically adjustable rather than permanently fixed. The protrusions and recesses enable blocks to be easily inserted and removed, allowing the wall structure to be disassembled and reconfigured. Meanwhile, the multiple cross elements with interlocking features provide sufficient structural strength when assembled, creating a system that can transition between stable construction and easy disassembly as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall block structure is segmented into multiple independent cross elements that can engage with corresponding elements in adjacent blocks. This segmentation allows the wall to be disassembled block by block or section by section without compromising the overall structural integrity when assembled. Each cross element with its protrusion-recess configuration provides localized strength while enabling modular reconfiguration for reuse in different wall configurations.
Data Source
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AI summary
A wall block system is disclosed. The wall block system comprises a plurality of wall blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) configured to be stacked onto each other for building at least part of a wall (2). Each wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) out of the plurality of wall blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) cA wall block system is disclosed. The wall block system comprises a plurality of wall blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) configured to be stacked onto each other for building at least part of a wall (2). Each wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) out of the plurality of wall blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) omprises a front panel (20), a back panel (22), a first set of one or more cross elements (24a) extending between and connected to the front panel (20) and the back panel (20), a second set of one or more cross elements (24b) extending between and connected to the front panel (20) and the back panel (22), and a third set of one or more cross elements (24c) extending between and connected to the front panel (20) and the back panel (22). Each set out of the first set, second set and third set of cross elements (24a, 24b, 24c) comprises at a top side of the wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) one or more top side protrusions (28) extending vertically and/or one or more top side recesses (30) and comprises at a bottom side of the wall block, for each top side protrusion (28), a bottom side recess (30) and/or, for each top side recess (30), a bottom side protrusion (28) extending vertically. Further, of each wall block (4a, 4b, 4c), the top side protrusions (28) and/or, respectively, the top side recesses (30) are configured to interlock with the bottom side recesses (30) and/or, respectively, the bottom side protrusions (28) of any other wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) out of the plurality of wall blocks (4a, 4b, 4c) such that vertical movement of the wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) relative to said any other wall block (4a, 4b, 4c) is restricted, preferably prevented.