Non-Settling Log Structure With Vertical Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing log structures face challenges with settling and moisture-related issues, leading to instability, increased production costs, and compromised appearance, as traditional methods to mitigate these problems complicate manufacturing and do not effectively maintain structural integrity or appearance.
Innovation Solution
A non-settling log structure design featuring vertical through holes with a support structure extending over the entire log length, using mechanical attachments that allow logs to float relative to the support, ensuring tight seals and improved lateral stability, while allowing for natural moisture movement without compromising the log's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional methods are used to reduce settling and moisture living by means of construction of the log itself and treatment, then the desired effect is achieved, but the logs become complicated and difficult to manufacture, production costs increase considerably, and the appearance of the log suffers
Solution Approach 1:
The log structure is divided into two independent systems: the log walls themselves and a separate support structure (columns or struts) that carries the vertical loads. This segmentation allows the logs to maintain their traditional simple construction and appearance while the support structure handles the settling and moisture living issues independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The load-bearing function is extracted from the log walls and transferred to a separate support structure. The logs are no longer required to carry vertical loads, which eliminates the need for complex log construction and treatment to prevent settling, while the support structure independently manages the vertical loading and settling issues.
2Reliability
If logs are made non-settling through traditional construction methods, then settling is reduced, but production costs increase considerably
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the load-bearing function into a distinct support structure, the logs can be manufactured using traditional, simpler methods without expensive treatments or complex constructions. The support structure independently handles the settling prevention, making the overall system more cost-effective.
Solution Approach 2:
The expensive and complex settling prevention measures are extracted from the log manufacturing process and implemented instead in the support structure, which can be constructed more economically using standard construction techniques.
3Stability of the object's composition
If vertical holes are narrowed and dowel parts are thinned to make logs immoveable relative to wooden dowels, then the logs become stable, but two sizes of drill holes must be made, machining must be performed twice, and several additional work stages are required
Solution Approach 1:
The logs are completely detached from the support structure in terms of load-bearing, eliminating the need for complex machining to secure logs to dowels. The mechanical attachments connect logs to each other at the centre line, while the support structure independently carries vertical loads, simplifying the machining requirements.
4Force
If dowel parts are used to support log wall, then vertical loads are carried, but several pivot points form in the support structure so that lateral stability is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The vertical load-carrying function is extracted from the dowel parts and transferred to the support structure (columns or struts). This eliminates the formation of multiple pivot points in the dowel system, and the support structure provides both vertical load support and lateral stability through its rigid construction.
5Productivity
If mechanical attachments are used to attach logs to each other while keeping them free of the support structure, then rapid erection is achieved, but the log structure must maintain lateral stiffness
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical attachments are designed to connect logs to each other quickly at the centre line without requiring connection to the support structure. The support structure independently provides the necessary lateral stiffness and stability, allowing rapid erection of the log walls while maintaining overall structural rigidity.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a non-settling log structure. The log structure includes logs (11, 12) set on top of each other, in which there are vertical through holes (13) at a distance from each other. In an opening (14) of through holes aligned with each other is a support structure (15) carrying the vertical load and extending essentially over the whole distance of the log structure. The logs (11, 12) of the log pair (31) forming the log joint (16) are attached to each other and free of the support structure (15) using mechanical attachments (32).