Profiled Hollow Brick Floor Assembly with Concrete Beam

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction methods fail to combine aesthetic appeal with structural solidity in floor-ceiling assemblies, particularly in modular elements that integrate ceramic and reinforced concrete effectively.

Innovation Solution

A modular floor-ceiling assembly system utilizing profiled hollow bricks with angled and curved sections, paired with half-voussoirs that form a space for reinforced concrete beams and accommodate accessories, supported by a structure that allows for flat surfaces and parallel vaults, along with a method of manufacturing involving cradle installation and concrete casting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional construction methods are used for floor-ceiling assemblies, then structural solidity is achieved, but aesthetic appeal and functional integration are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural solidityVSAvoidaesthetic appeal and functional integration
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines ceramic hollow bricks with reinforced concrete elements into a single integrated modular assembly. The ceramic brick serves both aesthetic and structural functions, while the embedded concrete beam provides reinforcement. This merging of materials and functions resolves the contradiction by achieving both structural solidity and aesthetic appeal simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular assembly performs multiple functions: the ceramic brick provides aesthetic appearance and thermal insulation, the concrete beam provides structural strength, and the integrated design allows for easy installation and accessory integration. This multi-functionality addresses the contradiction by making a single element serve both structural and aesthetic purposes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If modular elements are designed with complex integrated features, then functionality and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional integrationVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly is divided into distinct modular components: the ceramic hollow brick, the reinforced concrete beam, and the connecting elements. Each component can be manufactured separately using optimized processes, then assembled into the final integrated structure. This segmentation reduces manufacturing complexity while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses formwork as an intermediary element during manufacturing. The formwork allows for the precise casting of concrete beams within the ceramic brick structure, ensuring accurate integration without requiring complex direct bonding processes. This intermediary simplifies the manufacturing of integrated features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If traditional floor-ceiling assemblies are constructed, then structural requirements are met, but installation time and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural requirementsVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The ceramic brick and reinforced concrete beam are merged into a single pre-assembled modular unit. This allows the entire floor-ceiling assembly to be installed as one component, significantly reducing on-site construction time and labor requirements while maintaining all structural requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The modular elements are prepared in advance with all structural and functional features integrated before delivery to the construction site. The concrete beams are pre-cast within the brick structures, and all necessary connections and accessories are pre-positioned. This preliminary action eliminates time-consuming on-site construction steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2677090B1Profiled hollow brick and ceiling-floor assembly combining the brick and reinforced concrete
Publication Date: 2015.01.07 TERREAL
  • EP2677090B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2677090B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2677090B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The brick (11) has two straight walls forming an angle of about 90 degrees. The walls are connected to one another by a wall arc of a circle representing a half-cowling. The half-cowling comprises an upper horizontal face, a side face and a gently inclined face. A modular element is constituted by two half-segments defining a space. A reinforced concrete beam (9) is provided in the space. A rectangular plate is located above the reinforced concrete beam, and includes a rectangular width, which is slightly higher than length of the two half-segments. An independent claim is also included for a method for manufacturing a modular element.