Modular Block Sorter with Non-Planar Base
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing modular building block systems require time-consuming and frustrating processes to segregate blocks with specific geometric properties, as pieces are often mixed and stored together, making it difficult to locate or categorize them efficiently for construction.
Innovation Solution
A modular building block sorter with a housing and perforated surfaces, where the base has a non-planar design and includes discontinuities, allowing for the segregation of blocks by size through agitation, with trays and surfaces configured to allow blocks of different sizes to pass through apertures of varying sizes, separating larger pieces from smaller ones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If blocks are stored mixed together in a single container, then storage space is maximized, but time is lost locating and categorizing specific pieces
Solution Approach 1:
The storage container is divided into multiple compartments with different aperture sizes. Each compartment segments the blocks by size, allowing automatic separation when blocks are poured in. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining high storage capacity while eliminating the need for manual sorting, thus saving time.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartments are pre-configured with specific aperture sizes before use. When blocks are introduced, they automatically sort themselves into the appropriate compartments based on their dimensions. This preliminary configuration eliminates the need for subsequent manual categorization, resolving the time loss issue while maintaining efficient storage.
2Ease of operation
If blocks are manually categorized into separate containers, then blocks are organized by geometric properties, but the process is time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sorting system performs self-service by automatically categorizing blocks into appropriate compartments based on their geometric properties. The blocks themselves sort themselves through the aperture-based compartments without human intervention, achieving easy organization while eliminating the time-consuming manual categorization process.
Solution Approach 2:
The compartments are pre-designed with specific aperture dimensions that correspond to different block sizes. This preliminary design enables automatic sorting functionality, allowing blocks to be organized by geometric properties instantly when introduced into the container, without requiring manual categorization time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If construction is done from mixed blocks, then all pieces are available, but the process is frustrating and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The container segments blocks by size into different compartments, all visible and accessible from the top. This allows builders to quickly select the required block size without sifting through mixed blocks, maintaining access to all pieces while dramatically improving construction speed and reducing frustration.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of horizontal mixing, the system uses vertical dimensionality with stacked compartments of different aperture sizes. All block types remain accessible from the top opening, but are organized vertically by size, enabling quick selection and improving productivity while maintaining versatility.
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 sorter efficiently separates modular building blocks by size, allowing larger pieces to be sorted on top trays and smaller pieces to be segregated below, facilitating faster and more efficient construction by categorizing blocks based on size.
Implementation Method 1
the base has a non-planar design and includes discontinuities, allowing for the segregation of blocks by size through agitation
Data Source
AI summary
A modular building block sorter comprising: a housing having at least two sides and a base and at least one perforated surface adapted to selectively engage with said at least two sides of said housing, wherein said base comprises a first portion and a second portion and wherein said base is other than substantially planar. In some embodiments the base can include one or more discontinuities.