Plastic Curb Block With Tubular Coupling For Curved Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curb blocks made of natural granite stones face issues with constructability and increased construction costs, and previously developed plastic curb blocks cannot be easily arranged in curved or inclined configurations due to lack of coupling mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A curb block system formed through injection molding of plastic material, featuring a main curb block with semicircular female slots and a male tubular block for coupling, allowing for arrangement in straight, curved, or inclined configurations, with optional auxiliary and slanted curb blocks for enhanced flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If natural granite stones are used to form curbs, then structural strength and durability are improved, but constructability deteriorates and construction costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive natural granite stones with inexpensive plastic curb blocks that are easier to manufacture and install. The plastic material allows for mass production through injection molding, significantly improving constructability while maintaining sufficient structural strength for curb applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses plastic material (a synthetic material) to create curb blocks that combine ease of manufacturing with adequate structural strength. The composite structure includes a plastic body with internal grid stiffeners and coupling mechanisms, creating a composite solution that balances cost, constructability, and strength.
2Ease of manufacture
If plastic curb blocks are used instead of natural stones, then constructability and construction costs are improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plastic curb block is divided into multiple functional segments: a body portion for the curb structure, internal grid stiffeners for structural reinforcement, and coupling portions for connecting adjacent blocks. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure within the plastic block, combining the plastic body with integrated grid stiffeners and coupling mechanisms. This composite design enhances the structural strength of the plastic material to approach or match that of natural granite while retaining the manufacturing advantages of plastic.
3Device complexity
If curb blocks are arranged in straight lines without coupling means, then device complexity is reduced, but stability deteriorates as blocks can be easily disconnected or dislocated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the coupling function directly into the curb block structure itself. The coupling portions are integrated as part of the plastic block body, eliminating the need for separate coupling mechanisms. This integration maintains arrangement stability while avoiding additional device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The curb blocks are designed with self-coupling capabilities through the integrated coupling portions. When adjacent blocks are placed together, the coupling portions automatically engage to stabilize the arrangement, allowing the structure to self-assemble without requiring external coupling components or complex installation procedures.
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
Enables cost-effective construction of curb blocks that can be arranged in various configurations while maintaining structural integrity, allowing for flexible installation in different layouts without dislocation.
Implementation Method 1
a main curb block includes: a body case formed through injection molding of a plastic material
Data Source
AI summary
A curb block system includes a main curb block and a male tubular block. The main curb block includes: a body case formed through injection molding of a plastic material, having an open bottom, and including a plurality of vertical partition walls arranged therein to form a plurality of empty compartments; semicircular female slots vertically formed at opposite ends of an upper surface of the body case to face other main curb blocks adjacent thereto, respectively, and the male tubular block is inserted into and coupled to adjacent female slots of a pair of adjacent main curb blocks, has a thickness smaller than the width of the female slot such that an array of the adjacent main curb blocks can be two-dimensionally curved at a predetermined angle in a horizontal plane.