Corrugated Zigzag Wood Core Layer for Lightweight Composite Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-layer composites with loosened core layers have low homogeneity due to large cavities, leading to instability when fastened with nails or screws, and require large, high-quality veneer for production, which is inefficient and costly.

Innovation Solution

A core layer comprising zigzag-shaped wooden elements with platelet-shaped areas arranged in a zigzag pattern, where edges intersect at non-zero angles and are firmly connected, providing improved stability and reduced material requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If a loosened core layer structure is used to achieve lightweight multi-layer composites, then weight is reduced and damping effect is improved, but homogeneity decreases and fastening stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveweight of multi-layer compositeVSAvoidfastening stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by transforming flat veneer sheets into corrugated structures with wave-like profiles. The corrugations create a three-dimensional geometry that enhances mechanical interlocking between layers and provides anchoring points for fasteners, thereby improving fastening stability while maintaining the lightweight advantage of the loosened core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a composite structure by combining multiple corrugated veneer layers with different grain directions and orientations. The core layer consists of corrugated veneers arranged at angles to each other, forming a heterogeneous composite that achieves both lightweight properties and improved homogeneity for reliable fastening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If large pieces of high-quality veneer are used to produce large-format core layers, then production quality is maintained, but material cost increases and production efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecore layer qualityVSAvoidproduction efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the core layer into multiple smaller corrugated veneer pieces that can be independently produced and then assembled. This segmentation allows for more efficient production of individual components and facilitates easier handling and assembly, thereby improving overall production efficiency while maintaining quality through standardized manufacturing of each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat veneer sheets to three-dimensional corrugated structures. This dimensional transformation enables the creation of large-format core layers from smaller veneer pieces by stacking and arranging corrugated elements, improving production efficiency without compromising the quality and structural integrity of the final product.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If flat veneer sheets are used for the core layer, then production is simple, but mechanical stability and carrying capacity are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction simplicityVSAvoidmechanical stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies curvature by transforming flat veneer sheets into corrugated structures with wave-like profiles. This geometric transformation significantly enhances mechanical stability and carrying capacity while maintaining relatively simple production processes, as the corrugations can be formed through conventional veneer processing techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional flat veneer to three-dimensional corrugated structures. This dimensional change adds structural complexity that improves mechanical stability and load-bearing capacity, while the corrugation formation process remains integrated into existing veneer manufacturing workflows, preserving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3363960B1Wood elements having a corrugated structure and production method thereof
Publication Date: 2021.08.11 WOOD INNOVATIONS
  • EP3363960B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP3363960B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8
  • EP3363960B1 patent drawingFigure 9~12

AI summary

Core layer which is suitable for a multi-layer composite which has at least one cover layer and a core layer, the cover layer being arranged in such a way that it at least partially covers the core layer and is firmly connected to it, the core layer having elements made of wood which are platelet-shaped have areas which are arranged in a zigzag shape, with a platelet-shaped zigzag area of ​​an element with an adjacent platelet-shaped zag area of ​​the element forming a common edge between them, such that the zigzag-shaped wooden element is formed, wherein zig-zag shaped elements are arranged in the core layer such that two such edges of two different elements intersect at a non-zero angle and the two elements are fixedly connected to each other at the point of intersection. In one embodiment, a zigzag-shaped wooden element can be glued to a planar wooden element in such a way that a zigzag-shaped wooden element is surrounded by two planar wooden elements in a sandwich-like manner; or two zigzag-shaped wooden elements surround a flat wooden element like a sandwich.