Modular Brick Outdoor Structures for Faster Patio-Matched Installation
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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 often 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 with the patio is achieved, but construction cost and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling brick or block structures into complete outdoor structures (fireplaces, kitchens, etc.) at a first location before transportation. This allows labor-intensive masonry work to be performed in advance using skilled workers, while on-site installation only requires minimal assembly by less skilled laborers, thus maintaining material matching while dramatically reducing on-site construction time and cost.
2Ease of operation
If outdoor structures are constructed from single bricks or blocks on-site, then material matching with the patio is achieved, but labor skill requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling brick or block structures into complete outdoor structures (fireplaces, kitchens, etc.) at a first location before transportation. This allows labor-intensive masonry work to be performed in advance using skilled workers, while on-site installation only requires minimal assembly by less skilled laborers, thus maintaining material matching while dramatically reducing on-site construction time and cost.
3Productivity
If modular sections are pre-constructed and transported, then construction time and cost are reduced, but transportation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outdoor structure into multiple modular sections that can be independently constructed, handled, and transported. Each section is designed as a discrete unit with standardized dimensions and features (such as recesses for forklifts), allowing complex structures to be broken down into manageable pieces that can be transported using conventional equipment and reassembled on-site.
4Productivity
If modular sections are pre-constructed and transported, then construction time and cost are reduced, but structural integrity during transport becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-assembling brick or block structures into complete outdoor structures (fireplaces, kitchens, etc.) at a first location before transportation. This allows labor-intensive masonry work to be performed in advance using skilled workers, while on-site installation only requires minimal assembly by less skilled laborers, thus maintaining material matching while dramatically reducing on-site construction time and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the outdoor structure into multiple modular sections that can be independently constructed, handled, and transported. Each section is designed as a discrete unit with standardized dimensions and features (such as recesses for forklifts), allowing complex structures to be broken down into manageable pieces that can be transported using conventional equipment and reassembled on-site.
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.