Universal Retaining Wall Block with Vertical Interlock

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing method of constructing segmental retaining walls requires specialized corner blocks, which are costly and logistically challenging due to inefficient production runs, inventory management, and estimation difficulties for contractors, leading to additional expenses and potential delays in the supply chain.

Innovation Solution

A retaining wall block design that can function interchangeably as both a corner block and a standard block, featuring a vertical interlock system with a female component and male component, allowing for flexible orientation and interlocking without the need for separate corner block molds, thus simplifying production and installation processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If specialized corner blocks are manufactured separately, then corner functionality is achieved, but production costs and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner block functionalityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The block design incorporates a universal interlock system with features that enable the same block to function as both a standard block and a corner block. The interlock system includes a male component and a female component with gaps positioned and dimensioned to accommodate both straight wall and corner configurations, eliminating the need for specialized corner blocks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The interlock system is segmented into distinct male and female components with specific gaps positioned at predetermined locations. This segmentation allows the block to be oriented in different configurations while maintaining proper interlocking, enabling one block type to serve multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If specialized corner blocks are manufactured separately, then corner functionality is achieved, but production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner block functionalityVSAvoidproduction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of standard blocks and corner blocks into a single block design. By integrating the corner functionality into the standard block through the universal interlock system, the need for separate corner block production is eliminated, improving manufacturing productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If specialized corner blocks are used, then corner construction is enabled, but logistics and inventory management become more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner block functionalityVSAvoidinventory management

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If specialized corner blocks are required, then corner construction is enabled, but estimation accuracy and material efficiency decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorner block functionalityVSAvoidmaterial efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS11401679B2Combination standard and corner segmental retaining wall block with integral vertical interlock system

Publication Date: 2022.08.02 RISI STONE INC

AI summary

A retaining wall block includes a block body having: a top and a bottom spaced from the top by a height H; a front and a rear spaced from the front by a depth D; and a first side and a second side spaced from the first side by a length L; a vertical interlock system comprising: a female component comprising a groove in the bottom of the block body, the groove being spaced from the front by a depth FB and having a depth G, the groove extending from a distance F from the first side through to the second side, wherein F<FB and FB+G<D; and a male component extending across the top of the block body between the first side and the second side, the male component being spaced from the front by at least a depth of FB and having a depth no greater than G, wherein a plurality of gaps in the male component comprise: a first gap extending from the first side and having a first gap length of at least FB; a second gap spaced from the first gap by no more than G and having a second gap length of at least D−FB−G+F, the second gap extending at least to D+F from the first side; a third gap spaced from the second gap and having a third gap length of at least 2F; and a fourth gap spaced from the third gap and having a fourth gap length of at least 2F, the fourth gap extending at least to L−D+F from the first side wherein the fourth gap does not extend all the way to the second side. Various embodiments are described.