Tiered Notch Post for Panel Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional post and beam constructions using logs are time-consuming and costly due to the need for flattening logs for uniformity, which can lead to cracks and leaks, and often result in undesirable rectangular cross-sections, while panel constructions lack the aesthetic appeal of rounded posts and beams.

Innovation Solution

An elongate structural member with tiered notches that can easily interface with multiple panels, allowing for efficient assembly and integration of panels with rounded surfaces, reducing construction time and costs by accommodating panels with varying orientations and materials.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If logs are flattened for uniformity in traditional post and beam construction, then the structural uniformity and stability are improved, but the construction time increases and cracks may form leading to leaks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural uniformityVSAvoidconstruction time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The log is segmented into a rounded outer portion and a flat inner portion through the notch configuration. The rounded portion maintains aesthetic appeal and structural integrity while the flat portion provides a stable interface for panel attachment, eliminating the need to flatten the entire log surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Only the local area where panels will be attached is flattened through the notch, while the rest of the log surface retains its rounded natural shape. This localized flattening reduces construction time and avoids cracks that would result from flattening the entire log surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If logs are flattened to create uniform surfaces, then the ease of panel attachment is improved, but the aesthetic appeal of rounded posts and beams is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of panel attachmentVSAvoidaesthetic appeal

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The log surface is segmented into two distinct zones: a rounded outer portion for aesthetic display and a flat inner portion within the notch for practical panel attachment. This segmentation allows both aesthetic and functional requirements to be satisfied simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flattening is applied locally only where panels need to attach, creating a flat notch surface, while the visible exterior surface remains rounded and aesthetically pleasing. This localized treatment resolves the contradiction between ease of attachment and aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Shape

If traditional log construction methods are used, then the aesthetic appeal and rounded profiles are maintained, but the construction cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverounded profileVSAvoidconstruction efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The construction process is segmented into preparing the rounded log structure and then attaching panels to the flat notch surfaces. This segmentation allows the rounded aesthetic form to be maintained while the panel attachment process becomes more efficient and less time-consuming.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The notches are pre-formed in the rounded logs during the manufacturing or preparation phase, creating flat attachment surfaces in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site log flattening operations, thereby improving construction productivity while maintaining rounded profiles.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Stability of the object's composition

If panels are attached to flattened log surfaces, then the attachment stability is improved, but the risk of cracks and leaks increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidcracks and leaks

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The notch creates a segmented interface between the log and panel, concentrating the attachment at the flat inner surfaces and away from the rounded outer shell. This segmentation prevents stress concentration that would lead to cracks and leaks in the log structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flat notch surfaces provide localized stable attachment zones for panels, while the rounded outer log structure remains undisturbed and free from crack-prone flattening operations. This local quality differentiation ensures both attachment stability and structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9234343B2Post and panel construction

Publication Date: 2016.01.12 HARPER KENNETH EDWARD CREIGHTON

AI summary

An assembly for integrating an elongate structural member such as a post or a beam, and one or more panels is provided. The elongate structural member includes a notch defined within the elongate structural member. The notch includes a base surface and two side surfaces at opposite ends of the base surface. At least one of the side surfaces is tiered. The tiered side surface includes an inner portion and an outer portion that are substantially parallel to each other. The inner portion is substantially perpendicular and is adjacent to the base surface. The outer portion is offset from the inner portion and is positioned further away from the second side surface compared to the inner portion. A first panel is positioned within the notch and faces at least the base surface and the inner portion of the tiered surface. A second panel may be positioned within the notch.