Rotational Coupling Means for Building Block Wall Construction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building block systems require additional steps such as grouting and steel reinforcements to achieve sufficient strength, making the construction process laborious.
Innovation Solution
The building blocks feature complementary coupling means that mate through rotational movement, preventing disengagement by linear movement, allowing for instant firm coupling without the need for additional reinforcements or grouting, facilitating quick and strong wall construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If building blocks are coupled using traditional tongues and grooves with grouting and steel claws, then the wall achieves sufficient strength, but additional laborious steps are required for grouting and reinforcement
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means integrates both the mechanical coupling function and the reinforcement function into a single integrated structure. The protruding member and cavity combination provides both structural connection and inherent reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate grouting and steel claw operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means is pre-designed and pre-formed during building block manufacturing with the protruding member and cavity already in place. This preliminary preparation allows the blocks to be coupled directly by rotational movement without requiring on-site grouting or additional reinforcement steps.
2Strength
If building blocks require grouting and steel reinforcements to achieve sufficient strength, then the wall structure is strengthened, but the construction time increases due to additional steps
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means combines multiple functions (mechanical coupling, reinforcement, and locking) into a single integrated component that is formed during building block manufacturing. This integration eliminates the need for separate grouting and reinforcement operations, thereby increasing construction speed while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The protruding member and cavity coupling means are pre-formed during building block manufacturing, allowing for immediate coupling by rotational movement. This preliminary preparation eliminates on-site grouting and reinforcement steps, directly increasing construction productivity.
3Ease of operation
If coupling means allow rotational freedom for easy stacking, then the stacking process is facilitated, but the risk of unintended disengagement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means employs asymmetric geometry where the protruding member and cavity are shaped to permit rotational movement in one direction for easy stacking, but the asymmetric configuration prevents disengagement by linear movement. The shape is specifically designed so that the protruding member fits into the cavity with substantial no play, providing inherent stability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of preventing rotation and allowing linear movement, the coupling means inverts the approach by allowing rotation for coupling while preventing linear disengagement. The protruding member and cavity are shaped such that rotational movement brings them into engagement, while linear movement in the opposite direction cannot disengage them due to the complementary shapes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a set of building blocks (1) and a method for constructing a wall by means of these blocks. Each building block (1) comprises a first side (10) with first coupling means (11) and a second side (20) with second coupling means (21), the first and second coupling means being adapted to mate with each other for coupling the building blocks to each other. The first and second coupling means are shaped for enabling their coupling by a rotational movement around a first axis and preventing their disengagement by a linear movement along a second axis perpendicular to the first axis, said linear movement being substantially in opposite direction of the rotational movement.