Modular brick or block outdoor structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Constructing outdoor structures like fireplaces, fire pits, and kitchens from single bricks or blocks is costly and time-consuming, and requires skilled labor, while existing modular solutions do not match the patio's materials.
Innovation Solution
A modular brick or block outdoor structure is pre-constructed in sections using adhesive and channels for easy transportation and assembly, allowing installation by laborers with minimal skills, using materials that match the patio's paving bricks or retaining wall blocks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If outdoor structures are constructed from single bricks or blocks on-site, then material matching the patio is achieved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The outdoor structure is divided into multiple modular sections that can be pre-assembled off-site and then transported to the installation location. Each module contains a predetermined arrangement of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks, allowing rapid deployment while maintaining material consistency with the patio.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections are pre-assembled at a manufacturing location before transportation. This preliminary assembly includes pre-laying the paving bricks or retaining wall blocks in the desired configuration, so that upon arrival at the installation site, the modules can be quickly positioned and connected without requiring time-consuming on-site construction.
2Ease of operation
If outdoor structures are constructed from single bricks or blocks, then material matching is achieved, but skilled labor is required
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the structure into pre-assembled modules with integrated paving bricks or retaining wall blocks, the complexity of masonry work is transferred to the manufacturing phase where skilled workers can work in a controlled environment. The simplified modules then require only basic assembly skills at the installation site.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular sections serve as intermediaries that encapsulate the complex masonry work. These modules include predetermined arrangements of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the patio, eliminating the need for skilled masons to perform detailed bricklaying at the installation site.
3Ease of operation
If modular sections are made for easy transportation, then installation ease is improved, but structural integrity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The structure is divided into modular sections of manageable size and weight, making them easy to transport with standard equipment. Each module maintains its structural integrity through proper internal configuration of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks, and the modules are designed to be reassembled at the installation site to form the complete structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Transport aids such as pallets or skids serve as intermediaries during the transportation phase, allowing modular sections to be moved easily without requiring direct handling. These aids are removed at the installation site, and the modules are then connected using joining mechanisms that restore and maintain structural integrity.
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
This approach reduces construction costs and time by enabling efficient, skill-limited labor installation of outdoor structures that match the patio's materials, enhancing the aesthetic and functional integration of outdoor spaces.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
A modular brick or block outdoor structure includes an outdoor structure that is constructed in modular sections. Each modular section is fabricated from a plurality of paving bricks or retaining wall blocks that match the brick or block used to construct the patio. The bricks or blocks are preferably assembled to each other with adhesive. Each modular section includes means for transporting thereof with some type of equipment, if necessary. It is preferable that each modular section include channels to receive lifting forks of an end loader or other suitable transport device, if necessary. However, other methods of transporting the modular section may also be used.