Multi-Oriented Segmental Wall Blocks for Aesthetic Patterns

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retaining wall systems face challenges in creating aesthetic patterns with multiple block sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs, delivery time, and block weight, while maintaining connection with reinforcing sheet materials.

Innovation Solution

The development of multi-oriented segmental wall blocks with a standardized size and shape, featuring grooves and mechanical connectors, allowing for various orientations and connections to soil reinforcing elements like geogrids, enabling the creation of random patterns without the need for multiple block sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple block sizes are used to create aesthetic patterns, then architectural pattern choices are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitectural pattern choicesVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wall block is divided into distinct functional zones: a front face for aesthetic display, a body for structural integrity, and a rear portion with recesses for mechanical connection. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity in manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A single standardized wall block design serves multiple functions: it provides aesthetic facing, structural support, and mechanical connection capabilities. The block can be oriented in different positions (vertical, horizontal, various rotations) to create diverse patterns without requiring multiple block sizes or types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple block sizes are used to create aesthetic patterns, then architectural pattern choices are improved, but delivery costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitectural pattern choicesVSAvoiddelivery time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple block sizes are used to create aesthetic patterns, then architectural pattern choices are improved, but block weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvearchitectural pattern choicesVSAvoidblock weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the block have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the front face is designed for aesthetic appearance, the body for structural strength, and the rear portion with recesses for mechanical connection. This local optimization reduces overall weight while maintaining necessary performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If traditional modular wall blocks are used, then ease of handling is improved, but connection reliability with reinforcing materials deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of handlingVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses in the rear portion of the block serve as intermediary elements that mechanically connect the block to reinforcing sheet materials. These recesses provide dedicated connection points that enhance reliability without complicating the overall block design or handling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3414400B1Multi-oriented segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods

Publication Date: 2022.05.18 TENSAR INTERNATIONAL CORP

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AI summary

Multi-oriented segmental wall blocks, soil reinforcing system, and methods related thereto are disclosed. The wall block may be a concrete masonry block used for constructing retaining walls. The wall block may include a front face; a rear cavity opposing the front 5 face and formed by an inner rear face, an outer rear face on three sides of the inner rear face and spaced apart therefrom, and a shelf defined therein by the inner rear face and the outer rear face; a troughed top face residing between the front face and the outer rear face; a flat bottom face opposing the troughed top face; a first side face residing between the front face and the outer rear face, and between the troughed top face and the flat bottom face; a second side face opposing the first side face; a trough running along the length of the troughed top face