Masonry System with Spacer Panels and Concrete Infill

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing masonry systems are costly, heavy, and inflexible, as they require decorative concrete throughout the blocks for texture, making them expensive and difficult to adapt visually and structurally.

Innovation Solution

A masonry system comprising spacers and panels that are fastened together with adhesives or binding agents, allowing for variable design and load-bearing functionality, with spacers taking on the load and cavities filled with concrete for strength, and panels treated for visual appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If decorative concrete is used throughout the blocks for texture, then visual appearance is improved, but cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual textureVSAvoidblock weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The block is divided into a core structure and a separate decorative panel. The panel carries the visual texture while the core provides structural function, allowing the two to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decorative function is extracted from the structural concrete block and placed into a separate panel that can be attached to the core, eliminating the need for expensive decorative concrete throughout the entire block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If decorative concrete is used throughout the blocks for texture, then visual appearance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual textureVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The block is divided into a core structure and a separate decorative panel. The panel carries the visual texture while the core provides structural function, allowing the two to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The decorative function is extracted from the structural concrete block and placed into a separate panel that can be attached to the core, eliminating the need for expensive decorative concrete throughout the entire block.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Strength

If solid concrete blocks are used for structure, then strength is improved, but weight and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidblock weight

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Concrete is used only where structurally necessary (in the cavities and core), while the panel and spacer use lighter materials. This localizes the heavy material to where it provides maximum structural benefit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The block combines different materials (panel material, spacer material, and concrete infill) to achieve optimal balance between strength and weight, using each material where it provides the best performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Stability of the object's composition

If traditional masonry units are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but adaptability for visual design decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidvisual adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The panel can serve multiple functions: visual decoration, identification of concrete fill location, and structural reinforcement when concrete is poured around it. The same component adapts to different needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows flexibility in whether or not to fill cavities with concrete, and the panel design can vary to create different visual effects while maintaining the same basic structural approach.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 system is lightweight, cost-effective, and adaptable, offering a range of visual and structural options while maintaining strength through concrete filling and sealant use, ensuring efficient construction and aesthetic flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The panels and spacers can be bonded to one another either in positive fashion, for example with hooks or a dovetail connection, or in nonpositive fashion with adhesive agent, binding agent, adhesive compound binding compound or combinations thereof.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the spacing of the spacers relative to one another and to the edges of the panels producing cavities that can likewise be filled with concrete, with reinforced concrete as appropriate, in order to increase the strength of the masonry system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectConcrete pouring and curing:

Data Source

PatentUS9670668B2Masonry system

Publication Date: 2017.06.06 METTEN STEIN DESIGN GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

A masonry system having masonry elements which can be laid one on top of the other. Each masonry element has at least one spacer to which two panels are fastened.