Jammed Stone Construction with Flexible Covering Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional concrete constructions are costly, environmentally impactful, and difficult to disassemble, with 'Jammed Architectural Structures' offering limited mechanical stability and aesthetic appeal, and existing solutions fail to prevent stone piece detachment and deterioration.

Innovation Solution

A construction comprising a supporting portion of solid material pieces jammed with a string, enhanced by a covering portion with attached devices that improve mechanical stability, durability, and aesthetic appeal, allowing for easy disassembly and reuse of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a string is used to enhance the jamming effect in stone structures, then the mechanical stability is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and the string may expose loose portions that hang out of the construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical stabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a flexible covering membrane that envelops the stone structure and integrates with the string system. The membrane covers the string to eliminate visual deterioration while maintaining the jamming effect, and its flexible nature allows it to conform to the irregular stone surfaces without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Strength

If concrete is used for wall constructions, then the mechanical strength and durability are improved, but the environmental impact increases and disassembly becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidenvironmental impact
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the construction into discrete stone pieces that can be individually removed and reused. This segmentation allows the structure to achieve concrete-like strength through the jamming effect while maintaining the ability to disassemble and reuse components, avoiding the environmental harm associated with concrete disposal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and arrangement parameters of stone pieces through vibration and compression to create a jammed structure. By controlling parameters such as particle size distribution, shape, and packing density, the structure achieves high mechanical strength comparable to concrete without the environmental burden of cement production and disposal

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Shape

If natural stones are used for constructions, then the aesthetic appearance and reusability are improved, but the value is reduced after disassembly due to contamination with concrete residues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidcomponent value after disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the contaminating element (concrete) from the construction system entirely. By using a pure stone-based jammed structure without concrete binding agents, the stones can be disassembled and reused without contamination, preserving their aesthetic appearance and monetary value for future applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Stability of the object's composition

If stone pieces are jammed together by pressure and vibration, then the jamming effect is enhanced, but single stone pieces may still break out or detach from the construction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejamming effectVSAvoidprevention of stone piece detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple stabilization mechanisms: the jamming effect from pressure and vibration is combined with friction between stone surfaces, interlocking geometric shapes, and a flexible membrane covering that provides additional containment. This multi-faceted approach prevents stone piece detachment while maintaining the natural aesthetic and reversibility of the jammed structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution provides a stable, aesthetically improved, and easily disassembled construction that maintains component quality, reduces detachment risks, and allows for individual cleaning and maintenance, while being cost-effective and environmentally friendly.

Implementation Method 1

The so called jamming effect may be increased by the use of a string, which may be unwound during the building process throughout the stone structure.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJamming effect:

Data Source

PatentUS12168870B2Construction and method for generating a construction
Publication Date: 2024.12.17 BRETT TOBIAS
  • US12168870B2 patent drawing
  • US12168870B2 patent drawing
  • US12168870B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Structures, particularly wall and/or pillar structure, comprising a supporting portion and a covering portion for covering the supporting portion, the supporting portion being provided by solid material pieces and at least one string for jamming at least some of the solid material pieces, wherein the covering portion comprises at least one covering device and wherein the string and the covering device are attached to each other.