Heritage Log Homes - Log Locking System
Log settling is a natural challenge for anyone owning a log home. This can lead to loose-fitting logs and air infiltration. Heritage Log Homes effectively solves this problem with an engineered and patented solution. The solution is provided via a spring loaded compression system that preloads the stacked logs. A threaded rod runs from the top to the bottom of the house through precision pre-drilled logs. The rod is terminated with a nut and spring on one end and a patented Self-Aligning Log Locking Yoke (SALLY™) on the other end.
Heritage initially approached Protomet with the challenge of lowering the cost of this system. After an onsite review of the application, Protomet engineers submitted 4 different design options. Heritage liked features on 2 of the design options and requested that they be combined. This entire process from concept to prototype took about 4 weeks and resulted in a lower cost and improved design.
Figure 1 depicts the original design, Figure 2 shows the new CAD design, and Figure 3 is the new production part. The new version introduces a knurled section to simplify the assembly process by eliminating the need for nails to hold the SALLY™ in place.
Figure 1
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Figure 2
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Figure 3
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