Modular Landscaping Curbing with Interlocking Clips

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing decorative curbing in landscaping is costly, permanent, and lacks flexibility, utility, and ease of installation, making it unsuitable for small residential spaces and renters, as it is heavy, prone to damage from water exposure, and lacks adaptability for wiring or plumbing integration.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, reusable decorative curbing system comprising clip halves and housing sections that interlock with a grout clip, allowing for flexibility and secure connection, with features like accessory receivers and breakaway interfaces for easy installation and adaptability, and the ability to form conduit channels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If extruded concrete curbing is used, then the curb provides a permanent and orderly appearance, but it is costly, heavy, and requires specialized equipment that cannot access narrow spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovepermanenceVSAvoidease of installation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curbing system is divided into separate modular components: curbing sections, corner pieces, and connection mechanisms. This segmentation allows the curbing to be installed in narrow spaces where extrusion equipment cannot access, while still providing a permanent appearance through the interlocking design of the segments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between curbing sections, allowing them to be joined together without requiring specialized extrusion equipment. This intermediary component enables easy installation while maintaining the structural integrity and permanent appearance of the curbing system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If segmented curbing is used to access narrow spaces, then installation becomes possible in restricted areas, but the curbing is still too heavy and lacks the desired appearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of installationVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The curbing sections are designed with a hollow or thin-walled structure that reduces weight while maintaining structural integrity. This allows the curbing to be lightweight enough for easy installation by homeowners while still providing the desired appearance and structural stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Stability of the object's composition

If concrete curbing is used, then the curb provides structural stability, but it breaks down over time due to water exposure and freezing climates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddurability

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curbing system uses composite materials that combine the structural stability of concrete or polymer with weather-resistant properties. This composite construction allows the curbing to maintain structural integrity while resisting degradation from water exposure and freezing climates, significantly improving durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

4Shape

If solid concrete curbing is used, then the curb provides decorative appearance, but it lacks utility for wiring or plumbing integration

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveappearanceVSAvoidutility

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The curbing system is designed with multi-functionality, serving both decorative purposes and utility functions. The hollow sections and connection mechanisms can accommodate wiring, plumbing, or other utilities within the curbing structure, while maintaining the decorative appearance on the exterior surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

5Stability of the object's composition

If rigidly linked curbing members are used, then the curb maintains rigid connection, but it cannot yield under heavy weight and is prone to breaking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidresistance to damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The connection mechanism between curbing members is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing controlled movement and yielding under heavy loads. This dynamic connection maintains stability during normal use while permitting flexibility to resist damage from ground movements or heavy equipment, preventing breakage of the members or connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS9271449B2Decorative curbing apparatus for deploying devices in a landscaping setting

Publication Date: 2016.03.01 LANE TROY R

AI summary

A durable, versatile, reusable landscaping curb system includes a plurality of sectional housings, yieldably connectable by joining clips, a typical housing section having a substantially hollow body, a substantially horizontal face on the top of the housing, the horizontal face supported by two sides, the two sides being first and second substantially vertical faces, the first and second substantially vertical faces disposed in a parallel relationship with respect to each other. The joining clips comprising two clip halves that can be paired to provide connection of two housing sections, or a single clip half may be attached to a specialized housing component, such as a terminating end, a foundation interface, a driveway interface, a patio interface, or an utilities feed interface.