Wooden Construction System With Grooved Interlocking Joints

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing construction systems using wooden elements face challenges such as high labor costs, environmental concerns due to excessive glue use, and limited seismic resistance, particularly in automated manufacturing and earthquake scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A construction system utilizing non-sticky fixing means with grooved patterns on structural wooden strips, allowing for assembly without glue, enabling automated manufacturing and enhanced seismic resistance through plasticization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If glue is used to join structural blades, then manufacturing precision and initial strength are improved, but environmental harm increases and seismic resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvejoint precisionVSAvoidenvironmental harm
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes glue from the jointing process entirely, extracting the harmful substance while maintaining joint functionality through alternative mechanical means (dovetail joints, wooden pegs, metal connectors)

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the chemical bonding system (glue) with a mechanical bonding system (interlocking joints, pegs, connectors), substituting one joining mechanism for another that achieves the same functional goal without environmental harm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Strength

If glue is used to join structural blades, then initial strength is improved, but seismic resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial strengthVSAvoidseismic resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates joints that are rigid under normal conditions but can move and deform under seismic stress, transitioning from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that adapts to loading conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The joint design anticipates seismic events by incorporating elements that can deform and absorb energy before the earthquake occurs, allowing the structure to withstand dynamic loads without catastrophic failure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Ease of manufacture

If rod-like fasteners are used to join panels, then ease of manufacture is improved, but seismic resistance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidseismic resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid rod-like fasteners with joint systems that incorporate controlled deformation capabilities, allowing the connections to remain relatively simple to manufacture while gaining the ability to move and absorb energy during seismic events

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If functional slats are added after wall assembly, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but installation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the installation of functional slats into the wall assembly process itself, performing the action beforehand rather than as a separate subsequent step, thereby eliminating the time loss without significantly increasing manufacturing complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system reduces environmental impact, streamlines manufacturing by eliminating glue-related delays, and improves seismic resistance by allowing energy absorption during earthquakes, while enabling the use of hardwood for structural elements.

Implementation Method 1

the faces in contact are at least partially provided, at the level of the contact interface, with a set of grooved patterns arranged so as to prevent the sliding of said structural blades relative to each other

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

at least two of the constituent elements are fixed together by means of non-stick fastening means, at least two adjacent folds among the superimposed folds of the same constituent element are held against each other by means of non-stick fastening means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

In the event of an earthquake, these components tend to plasticate (i.e., deform), meaning the structure will only withstand a single earthquake

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPlastic deformation: Plasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3519639B1Construction system with crossed structural boards
Publication Date: 2024.01.24 LEKO FRANCE
  • EP3519639B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3519639B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3519639B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to a construction system comprising a set of constituent elements (10), at least one of which comprises at least two superimposed folds (100, 110) each comprising at least two wooden structural boards (101, 111). In this system, at least two constituent elements (10) are fixed together by non-adhesive fixing means and at least two adjacent folds (100, 110) are held against each other by non-adhesive retention means. Furthermore, the faces in contact with two structural boards (101A, 111B) are at least partially provided, at their contact interface (I101-111), with a set of grooved patterns (R1) arranged so as to prevent the structural boards (101, 111) from sliding one relative to the other along at least one first immobilisation axis (B1). The present invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a construction system.