Vegetation Wall Block With Integrated Water Flow Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing green wall structures are costly to construct and maintain due to the need for separate irrigation systems, making them a luxury item and limiting their widespread adoption.
Innovation Solution
A block design for constructing vegetation walls that integrates a watering system, allowing for the assembly of blocks to form channels that facilitate the flow of water to vegetation, eliminating the need for separate watering systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex irrigation systems are integrated into green wall structures, then vegetation can be supported and grown, but construction and maintenance costs increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the irrigation system with the wall structure itself by incorporating channels directly into the block design. The channels are formed by inner walls that extend from the back wall to sidewalls, creating integrated water flow paths that eliminate the need for separate irrigation infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall blocks serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for vegetation, contain integrated channels for water distribution, and create openings for plant growth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate irrigation systems while maintaining reliable vegetation support.
2Ease of operation
If complex irrigation systems are integrated into green wall structures, then vegetation can be watered, but maintenance costs increase to several hundred euros per square meter per year
Solution Approach 1:
By combining the irrigation function directly into the wall blocks through integrated channels, the system eliminates complex external irrigation infrastructure that would require frequent maintenance and repair, reducing maintenance costs significantly.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate irrigation systems are used for green walls, then vegetation watering is achieved, but initial construction cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The irrigation channels are merged into the wall block structure during manufacturing, eliminating the need for separate irrigation system installation. The inner walls forming channels are integral to the block design, simplifying construction while achieving effective vegetation watering.
4Productivity
If integrated watering system is designed with specific inner wall positioning, then water flow distribution is optimized, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent specifies precise parameter ranges for inner wall positioning (lateral distance 33-45% of back wall length, depth distance 50-65% of block depth) to optimize water distribution while providing tolerable manufacturing ranges that balance efficiency with manufacturability.
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
Reduces construction and maintenance costs by integrating a watering system within the wall structure, ensuring efficient water distribution and vegetation growth without additional infrastructure.
Implementation Method 1
the block is composed of a porous concrete material
Data Source
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AI summary
A block for supporting vegetation growth comprises a back wall, a front wall, a first sidewall extending between and connecting the back wall and the front wall, and a second sidewall extending between and connecting the back wall and the front wall. A first inner wall extends from the back wall to the first sidewall. The first inner wall, the back wall, and the first sidewall collectively define a first opening. A second inner wall extends from the back wall to the second sidewall. The second inner wall, the back wall, and the second sidewall collectively defining a second opening. The back wall, the front wall, the first sidewall, the second sidewall, the first inner wall, and the second sidewall collectively define a third opening. The first and second openings are sized and configured to at least partially overlap to form channels for water flow through blocks arranged to form a wall.