Slant Wall Block Asymmetric Geometry for Retaining Walls

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional block wall systems lack aesthetic appeal and consistency in construction, particularly for retaining walls, where unique and visually pleasing designs are desired while maintaining ease and consistency of manufacturing.

Innovation Solution

The development of slant wall blocks with specific geometric configurations, including features like slanted front faces, mating surfaces, and pin connectors, allows for the creation of aesthetically pleasing wall systems by enabling staggered and aligned courses that provide a jagged or sawtoothed appearance, while facilitating easy construction through defined horizontal alignment directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If conventional geometric blocks are used in repeating patterns, then manufacturing is simple and consistent, but aesthetic appeal and uniqueness are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing consistencyVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The block incorporates an asymmetric slanted face that creates a non-traditional, aesthetically pleasing appearance while maintaining geometric precision. This slanted face breaks the symmetry of conventional blocks, providing visual interest and uniqueness without compromising manufacturing consistency through standardized production processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The invention applies a specific slanted face configuration to certain faces of the block while keeping other faces conventional. This localized modification creates aesthetic appeal in specific areas (front and side faces) while maintaining simple geometry in other areas, balancing visual interest with manufacturing ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Shape

If slanted front faces are incorporated to create aesthetic appeal, then visual interest is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic appealVSAvoidblock geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The block is divided into distinct faces with specific geometries: slanted front faces for aesthetic appeal, and conventional orthogonal back and side faces for simple manufacturing. This segmentation allows each face to be optimized independently, creating visual interest where needed while maintaining manufacturing simplicity elsewhere

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The slanted faces are formed with precise angular geometries that create visual interest through controlled inclination angles. These angular transitions provide aesthetic appeal through non-orthogonal lines while maintaining manufacturability through defined geometric parameters that can be produced with standard fabrication techniques

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Shape

If blocks are arranged in staggered courses for aesthetic appeal, then visual uniqueness is improved, but construction alignment difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewall appearanceVSAvoidalignment ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The block design incorporates multiple slanted faces that can be oriented in different directions, allowing the same block type to be used in various wall configurations (staggered, running bond, etc.). This universality enables aesthetic variety through different arrangement patterns while maintaining consistent alignment procedures across all configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The slanted faces and mating surfaces are designed to self-align during construction, where the geometry of adjacent blocks guides proper positioning. This self-alignment feature reduces the skill level and time required for precise alignment, making staggered courses easier to construct while maintaining aesthetic appeal

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9267260B2Slant wall block and wall section including same

Publication Date: 2016.02.23 KEYSTONE RETAINING WALL SYSTEMS LLC

AI summary

A wall block comprises an upper surface and an opposed lower surface. A front face and an opposed back face, and a first side face and an opposed second side face, are disposed between the upper surface and the lower surface. The first side face and the second side face generally extend from the front face to the back face. The block includes one or more features that define a horizontal alignment direction. The front face extends from the first side face to the second side face generally along a direction that is slanted with respect to the horizontal alignment direction.