Mortarless Wall Blocks with Locator Projections for Setback and Vertical Configurations
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wall blocks for mortarless retaining and vertical walls lack variability in design and functionality, limiting their decorative and structural versatility.
Innovation Solution
Concrete wall blocks with decorative faces and adjustable features, such as locator projections and recesses, allowing for the formation of both set back and vertical walls without the need for mortar, and enabling easy assembly and modification in the field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If wall blocks are designed with fixed configurations for mortarless assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but design variability and decorative versatility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The wall block is designed with universal features including locator projections and receiver recesses that enable the same block to be used in multiple wall configurations (setback walls, vertical walls, free-standing walls). The block can be oriented in different positions and combined with other blocks to create varied decorative patterns while maintaining consistent mortarless assembly mechanisms throughout.
2Ease of operation
If wall blocks are designed with locator and receiver arrangements for mortarless assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but structural complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locator projection and receiver recess features are integrated directly into the block body structure itself, rather than being separate components. The locator projection extends from the block face while the receiver recess is formed within the block, merging the assembly mechanism with the block structure to reduce overall system complexity while maintaining ease of assembly.
3Adaptability or versatility
If wall blocks are designed with decorative faces for aesthetic appeal, then decorative versatility is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Decorative features are applied selectively to specific faces of the block (front face, side faces) while leaving other surfaces (back face, top, bottom) simpler and more functional. This allows decorative versatility where needed while maintaining manufacturing efficiency on non-critical surfaces, reducing overall manufacturing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wall blocks are designed for both setback and vertical wall configurations, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locator projection and receiver recess are pre-configured with specific dimensional relationships during manufacturing to ensure proper block spacing and alignment. The locator projection length and receiver recess depth are predetermined to create consistent setback distances, eliminating the need for field measurements and adjustments, thereby reducing actual assembly precision requirements despite complex configuration options.
Data Source
AI summary
Concrete wall blocks are described with features facilitating use of the wall blocks to construct each of: a wall section with set back; and, a vertical wall without set back. Wall blocks, kits or sets of wall blocks, and wall sections with various sized blocks are described. Further methods of assembly and use are described. Also, features selectively usable in various types of wall blocks are described.