Log Wall Connector Spline Assembly for Shrinkage Accommodation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wooden log construction methods face challenges in maintaining a tight seal while accommodating the shrinkage and movement of logs, often resulting in gaps due to the complexity of angled notches and the inhibitive nature of traditional key connections.
Innovation Solution
A spline assembly is introduced, comprising a key slide and key members that fit within an undercut channel and recess, allowing for relative sliding movement between logs and posts, ensuring a secure and sealed connection while accommodating vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional key connections are used to secure logs to posts, then a tight seal is achieved, but the connection inhibits relative movement between logs and posts causing gaps to form
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system transitions from a static rigid key joint to a dynamic sliding mechanism. The key member can slide along the post within the undercut channel, allowing the connection to adapt to vertical movement and shrinkage while maintaining seal integrity through continuous contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection is divided into separate functional components: the key member that provides both sealing and sliding capability, the undercut channel that guides the key, and the recess in the log that receives the key. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function independently.
2Adaptability or versatility
If angled notches are used in logs to form non-right angle corners, then corner flexibility is improved, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The corner formation capability is extracted from the log notches and transferred to the post. The post is milled with longitudinal faces at desired angles, and the key member engages with the post's angled face rather than requiring complex angled notches in the logs, significantly simplifying log construction.
Solution Approach 2:
The post serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines corner angles through its milled faces, and works with the key member to accommodate both right and non-right angle corners. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for specialized angled notches in each log.
3Manufacturing precision
If logs are milled from wood to simulate natural logs, then manufacturing precision is improved, but the shrinkage and movement of logs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid, allowing it to accommodate the natural shrinkage and movement of milled logs. The sliding key mechanism provides flexibility that compensates for dimensional changes while maintaining the benefits of precision milling.
Data Source
AI summary
A building structure comprises a post having a vertically extending longitudinal face. A plurality of horizontal logs extends from said longitudinal face and has an end face in abutment with said longitudinal face. The post having an undercut channel in said longitudinal face and extends along said post. At least one of said end faces has a recess aligned with said undercut channel, and a spline assembly extends between said post and said log to secure said log to said post. The spline assembly includes a key located in and extends between said channel and said recess and an insert in one of said undercut channel and said recess. The insert co operates with said key to facilitate relative sliding movement therebetween.