Flush Corner Structure for Log Buildings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional log house corner structures fail to meet strict urban building regulations, resulting in poor sealing, structural durability issues, and aesthetic concerns due to the extension of logs beyond the corner and visible joint seams as logs dry and shrink.
Innovation Solution
A flush corner structure using a tongue and groove joint with vertical slots and seals that maintain logs in the same horizontal plane, incorporating a lap joint and urethane foam for enhanced sealing and insulation, allowing for assembly without log ends extending beyond the exterior corner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a traditional dovetail joint is used to join logs at 90 degrees to comply with urban building regulations, then the corner structure meets the zero corner requirement, but the sealing performance deteriorates and the joint surfaces become visible when logs shrink
Solution Approach 1:
The joint surface is segmented into multiple sections: a first joint surface on the first log, a second joint surface on the second log, and a third joint surface that is offset from the second joint surface. This segmentation allows each surface to be optimized independently for sealing and structural integrity, preventing the logs from appearing misaligned when they shrink while still achieving the zero corner geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the joint have different properties: the first joint surface has a first inclination angle relative to the horizontal plane, while the second and third joint surfaces have different inclination angles. This local variation in geometry allows the joint to maintain proper sealing contact even when logs shrink, while still achieving the required flush corner appearance from the exterior.
2Reliability
If logs are joined with traditional notched joints where ends extend beyond the corner, then the sealing and structural durability are improved, but the building fails to comply with strict urban building regulations
Solution Approach 1:
The joint structure is asymmetric in design: the first log has a joint surface inclined at a first angle, while the second log has joint surfaces at different angles. This asymmetric configuration allows the logs to be positioned at different orientations (including non-90 degree angles) while still achieving a flush exterior corner appearance, combining regulatory compliance with structural durability.
Solution Approach 2:
The joint surfaces are arranged in three-dimensional space with different inclination angles relative to the horizontal plane. By utilizing angular offset in multiple dimensions, the invention achieves both the zero corner geometry required by regulations and the overlapping joint configuration needed for structural durability and sealing.
3Reliability
If logs are joined at 90 degrees with dovetail joints to meet urban regulations, then the corner structure is sealed and durable, but the joint surfaces show in the interior corner making it look untidy
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the joint surfaces align in a straight line as in traditional dovetail joints, the invention inverts the approach by offsetting the third joint surface from the second joint surface. This creates a staggered arrangement where the joint surfaces are still in contact for sealing and structural purposes, but they do not align to form visible lines in the interior corner, thus improving visual appearance.
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
The solution provides a structurally sealed, heat-insulating, and visually appealing corner structure that maintains sealing integrity as logs shrink, conceals joint seams, and facilitates quick assembly, suitable for areas with stringent building regulations.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating a lap joint and urethane foam for enhanced sealing and insulation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
The invention relates to a flush corner structure comprising stacked first logs (1) and second logs (2), the end surfaces (22, 23) thereof having corresponding joint surfaces (3, 4). The corner structure according to the invention comprises a tongue and groove joint that horizontally locks the first log (1) and the second log (2) together. The logs are joined at the joint surfaces (3, 4) at an angle to each other. The first log (1) comprises a tongue joint element (5) extending over the total height of the log, and the second log (2) comprises a corresponding groove joint element (6) extending over the total height of the log. According to the invention, on the joint surfaces (3, 4) of the logs (1, 2) on both sides of the joint elements (5, 6) there is at least one vertical slot (7, 7') that extends over the total height of the log and accommodates a vertical seal (8) that extends over the total height of the log. The vertical seal (8) extends to a distance above the upper surface (14) of the log (1, 2) and is separated on a level with the upper surface (14) of the log (1, 2) into a first part (15) and a second part (16), and the first part (15) is fixable on the first log (1) and the second part (16) is fixable on the second log (2).