Multi-layer Wooden Structural Element with Offset Butt-Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for producing wooden structural elements from lower-quality round timber are inefficient, leading to overcapacity and quality issues in the packaging sector, and require higher-quality sawn timber dimensions, which are not economically viable due to the instability of thin butt-jointed layers and inaccurate cutting.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the formation of multi-layer boards with butt-jointed layers, where each layer is offset and connected with a binder, allowing for the separation of blocks into sections that form stable and high-quality panels, effectively utilizing lower-quality timber by fixing wood defects within individual lamella strands and avoiding complex finger-jointing processes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional finger-jointing processes are used to produce wooden elements from lower-quality round timber, then wood defects can be distributed, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality of wooden elementsVSAvoidcomplexity of manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the wooden element into multiple layers, where each layer contains butt-jointed boards with defects confined to individual lamella strands. This segmentation allows defects to be isolated rather than distributed throughout the entire element, simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If thin butt-jointed layers are used to increase production efficiency, then manufacturing speed improves, but the layers become unstable and cutting precision decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduction efficiencyVSAvoidcutting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses composite material construction by creating multi-layer wooden elements where each layer consists of butt-jointed boards. This composite structure provides stability to thin layers, enabling precise cutting and processing while maintaining high production efficiency. The layered composite design prevents the instability issues that would occur with single thin layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If higher-quality sawn timber dimensions are required to ensure stability, then structural reliability improves, but the utilization of lower-quality round timber decreases and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of wooden layersVSAvoidwood yield
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from requiring high-quality thick timber to achieving stability through multiple thinner layers arranged in a multi-dimensional configuration. By stacking several stable thin layers with butt joints, the patent creates a composite structure that is as stable as thicker timber but can be produced from lower-quality round timber with smaller diameters, thereby increasing wood yield.

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

4Strength

If continuous lamella layers are used as in conventional timber, then structural strength is maintained, but complex sorting and finger-jointing processes are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidease of manufacturing process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using continuous lamella layers that require complex finger-jointing to connect segments, the patent inverts the approach by using butt-jointed boards where the joints are at the ends rather than in the middle. This inversion simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining structural strength, as butt joints are easier to produce than finger joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This method enables the cost-effective production of high-quality, stable wooden structural elements with improved wood yield, reducing manufacturing costs and enabling the use of lower-quality sawn timber, while allowing for precise cutting and further processing with minimal waste and increased strength properties.

Implementation Method 1

a first layer (2) of the board (1) is formed from boards (14) or rods (14) that are at least partially firmly connected to one another with a binding agent (6), wherein in the first layer (2) the boards (14) or rods (14) are arranged offset from one another in the longitudinal direction and butt-jointed to the rod (14) adjacent in the longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Implementation Method 2

the block is formed from a pressed block in which a number of lamella strands (4) result in a block width, wherein in the lamella strands (4) that are laid one behind the other in the direction of the grain, wood defects remain largely in the individual lamella strands (4)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP3797984B1Wooden element and method of producing a wooden element
Publication Date: 2024.04.03 PATIM UG (HAFTUNGSBESCHRAENKT)
  • EP3797984B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3797984B1 patent drawingFigure 3'~4
  • EP3797984B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a method for producing a wooden structural element (1) carrier material for various applications, comprising the following steps: - a multi-layer panel is formed, wherein a first layer (2) of the panel is formed from boards or strips (14) that are at least partially bonded together with a bonding agent (6), wherein in the first layer (2) the boards or strips (14) are arranged longitudinally offset from one another and butted together with the longitudinally adjacent board or strip (14), - wherein at least a second layer (3) is placed on the first layer (2) and bonded to it, which is also formed from boards or strips that are at least partially bonded together,wherein in the second layer (3) the boards or strips are arranged longitudinally offset from one another and butted together with the longitudinally adjacent board or strip, and wherein the second layer (3) is arranged at an angle of 0°-90° in the grain direction or offset in the grain direction from the first layer (2). Furthermore, the present invention relates to a wooden structural element (1) and the use of a wooden structural element (1).