Mortarless Building Element Assembly With Sliding Tenon Block

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building elements require precise alignment and the application of mortar for assembly, which is time-consuming and labor-intensive.

Innovation Solution

A construction element assembly where a block serves as a means of fixing and aligning with another identical element, eliminating the need for mortar by allowing the block to be inserted into aligned cavities of superimposed frames, providing a strong connection and flexibility in positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If mortar is used to assemble building elements, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the mortar assembly step entirely by extracting the bonding function and replacing it with a mechanical interlocking system. The tenon-socket joint provides direct structural connection without requiring adhesive materials or curing time, thus eliminating the trade-off between connection strength and assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (mortar) with a purely mechanical connection system (tenon and socket joint). This substitution allows for immediate structural integrity upon assembly without waiting for chemical curing, directly resolving the contradiction between strong connection and quick assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Stability of the object's composition

If precise alignment is required for building elements, then the structural integrity is improved, but the assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The tenon-socket joint design enables self-alignment during assembly. The geometric fit between the tenon and socket automatically guides the blocks into proper alignment as they are brought together, eliminating the need for external alignment tools or complex positioning procedures while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The asymmetric tenon-socket geometry provides inherent alignment guidance. The specific shape and orientation of the tenon relative to the socket create a unique fit that automatically orients the blocks correctly during assembly, ensuring structural integrity without requiring complex alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If blocks are positioned close to frames during transport, then the transport volume is reduced, but the block positioning flexibility decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransport volumeVSAvoidblock positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The block is designed with dynamic positioning capability within the frame cavity. During transport, the block can be positioned close to the frame to minimize volume, while during assembly, the tenon can be inserted into the socket to allow for adjustment and optimal positioning. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between compact transport and positioning flexibility.

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

Facilitates quick and easy assembly without mortar, ensuring a strong connection and reduced transport volume while maintaining thermal and acoustic insulation, with the block securely locked in the cavity under gravity and movable under external pressure.

Implementation Method 1

The block remains locked in the cavity by lateral mechanical compression when no pressure is applied in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical compression: Compression

Implementation Method 2

the block moves relative to the frame when subjected to external pressure in the first direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectExternal pressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 3

the block remains immobilized by the frame when subjected only to the action of gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4372167B1Assembly of building elements
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 GABLOK SA
  • EP4372167B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4372167B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4372167B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5b

AI summary

The present invention relates to a building element (10) comprising a frame (1) and a block (2) that can slide within the frame (1) when subjected to an external force. The block (2) can thus form a tenon between two superimposed frames (1) forming mortises. Building elements (10) fixed together laterally form modules (100) that can be assembled in a staggered arrangement from one level to the next to form a wall.