A new low-damage ceiling system

Abstract

The present invention relates to a novel low-damage ceiling system, comprising a friction damper and a vibration isolation hanger; the friction damper is located at the connection of the ceiling grid frame, capable of dissipating seismic energy, preventing joint damage, and allowing the ceiling frame to self-center after an earthquake; the friction damper comprises a connecting arm and a torsion spring, the connecting arm being connected to the base plate via a pivot bolt and absorbing seismic energy through a scissor-like motion, the torsion spring being concentrically mounted around the lower portion of the pivot bolt, and being used to allow the arm to self-center after the seismic force dissipates; the vibration isolation hanger comprises: a top hanger, an isolation component, a radial spring, a conventional spring, and a bottom hanger; a cylindrical assembly is provided at the end of the top hanger, and the radial spring is arranged around the cylindrical assembly and returns to its center position after earthquake displacement. Compared with the prior art, the present invention improves the seismic toughness of the ceiling, has high safety and resilience, and has flexibility and energy dissipation capabilities.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to the fields of building engineering and construction, and in particular to a novel low-damage ceiling system. Background Art

[0002] In earthquake-prone areas, traditional suspended ceiling systems often fail to provide adequate seismic protection, leading to structural damage and potential harm to occupants. Existing systems typically use hangers with rigid joints, which lack the necessary flexibility and energy dissipation capacity to effectively handle seismic forces. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The purpose of the present invention is to overcome the above-mentioned defects of the prior art and provide a new low-damage ceiling system to improve the seismic resistance of the ceiling and enhance the safety and resilience during earthquakes.

[0004] The present invention provides a novel low-damage ceiling system, comprising a friction damper and a vibration isolation hanger;

[0005] The friction damper is located at the joint of the ceiling grid frame and can dissipate seismic energy, prevent joint damage, and enable the ceiling frame to self-center after an earthquake. The friction damper includes a connecting arm and a torsion spring. The connecting arm is connected to the base plate by a pivot bolt and absorbs seismic energy through a scissor-like motion. The torsion spring is concentrically mounted around the lower part of the pivot bolt and is used to self-center the arm after the seismic force dissipates.

[0006] The vibration isolation hanger supports the ceiling grid, filtering out strong vibration frequencies and providing rotational flexibility during seismic activity. The hanger comprises a top hanger, an isolation component, radial springs, a conventional spring, and a bottom hanger. The top hanger is attached to the building's structural slab, and a cylindrical assembly is located at the end of the top hanger. The radial springs are positioned around the cylindrical assembly and return to their central position after earthquake displacement. Conventional springs below the radial springs support the bottom hanger, further filtering vibrations. The radial springs, designed specifically for this system, provide critical vibration isolation and restore the hanger assembly to its original position after a seismic event, enhancing ceiling stability.

[0007] Furthermore, the bottom plate is attached to the ceiling structure to maintain the position of the damper.

[0008] Furthermore, the bottom plate is two rectangular plates, which serve as mounting points for the entire assembly.

[0009] Furthermore, the pivot bolt is provided with a nut and a washer, which are capable of withstanding the applied force, ensuring that the assembly is stable and the fastener secures the bolt in place.

[0010] Furthermore, the ceiling grid frame is composed of four ceiling panels, which are interconnected using friction dampers and anchored to the wall for stability and flexibility.

[0011] Furthermore, the size of each of the ceiling panels is 600 mm×600 mm.

[0012] Furthermore, the pivot bolt serves as a pivot point connecting both ends of the arm.

[0013] Furthermore, the bottom hanger provides vertical support and also assists in the vibration isolation process. The bottom hanger transfers filtered vibration energy from the isolation component to the ceiling, ensuring the overall stability and resilience of the ceiling system.

[0014] Furthermore, the top hanger is connected to the structural slab of the building and supports the isolation member by anchoring the upper portion thereof.

[0015] Furthermore, the cylindrical member at the end of the top hanger moves within a radial spring to counteract the movement by restoring the assembly to its original position.

[0016] The working principle of the present invention is as follows:

[0017] Friction dampers work like a pair of scissors, absorbing and dissipating energy as the connecting arm moves in and out. When subjected to earthquakes or lateral forces, the connecting arm rotates about the pivot bolt at its end. The friction between the moving parts and the resistance provided by the torsion spring dissipate energy, reducing the impact of vibration. The torsion spring is located below the nut, ensuring it is concentric with the pivot bolt, with its end fixed to the spring arm. As the connecting arm rotates, the torsion spring winds and unwinds, generating a restoring force. Once the force is removed, the torsion spring returns the connecting arm to its original position, ensuring the friction damper is ready for further movement. The pivot joint and surface generate mechanical friction, absorbing kinetic energy. The torsion spring also contributes to damping by resisting sudden movement and providing a controlled return force to the starting position. During seismic activity, the top hanger transfers vibration energy to the isolation component. A cylindrical component at the end of the top hanger moves within the radial spring, counteracting the movement by restoring the assembly to its original position. Simultaneously, conventional springs further absorb and filter the vibration, significantly reducing the impact on the bottom hanger and ceiling structure. This dual-spring mechanism is critical to maintaining the integrity of the suspended ceiling during and after a seismic event.

[0018] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:

[0019] (1) Improve the seismic toughness of the ceiling, providing high safety and resilience. In the present invention, the low-damage ceiling system can more effectively resist the impact of natural disasters such as earthquakes, reduce damage, and quickly recover after impact, ensuring the safety of personnel and the normal use of the building. By preventing joint damage and filtering strong vibration frequencies, the structural integrity during earthquakes is enhanced. The friction damper is used for energy dissipation and self-centering, and the vibration isolation hanger is used for vibration filtering.

[0020] (2) Wide range of applications. In this invention, the overall design of the ceiling system includes friction dampers and improved isolation hangers. The modular layout allows for easy integration into existing buildings, enhancing seismic resilience without extensive structural modifications.

[0021] (3) Flexibility and energy dissipation capabilities. In this invention, the low-damage ceiling system provides a new solution for improving the safety of buildings during earthquake events. By integrating friction dampers and vibration isolation hangers, the invention enhances the elasticity of the structure, providing a guarantee for the safety of life and property in earthquake-prone areas. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0022] Figure 1 This is an overall schematic diagram of the new low-damage ceiling system.

[0023] Figure 2 Schematic diagram of the friction damper of the new low-damage ceiling system.

[0024] Figure 3 Schematic diagram of the vibration isolation hanger of the new low-damage ceiling system.

[0025] Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the top hanger of the new low-damage ceiling system vibration isolation hanger.

[0026] Figure 5 Schematic diagram of the radial spring of the vibration isolation hanger of the new low-damage ceiling system.

[0027] Figure 6 Schematic diagram of the isolation components of the vibration isolation hanger of the new low-damage ceiling system.

[0028] Figure 7 Schematic diagram of the bottom hanger of the new low-damage ceiling system vibration isolation hanger.

[0029] Figure markings: 1. Friction damper; 2. Vibration isolation hanger; 1-1. Base plate; 1-2. Connecting arm; 1-3. Pivot bolt; 1-4. Torsion spring; 1-5. Nut and washer; 2-1. Top hanger; 2-2. Isolation component; 2-3. Radial spring; 2-4. Conventional spring; 2-5. Bottom hanger. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0030] The present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Component models, material names, connection structures, control methods, algorithms, and other features not explicitly described in this technical solution are considered common technical features disclosed in the prior art.

[0031] Example 1

[0032] This embodiment provides a new low-damage ceiling system. Figures 1 to 7 As shown, it includes a friction damper 1 and a vibration isolation hanger 2;

[0033] The friction damper 1 is located at the joint of the ceiling grid frame and can dissipate seismic energy, prevent joint damage, and enable the ceiling frame to self-center after an earthquake. The friction damper 1 includes a connecting arm 1-2 and a torsion spring 1-4. The connecting arm 1-2 is connected to the base plate 1-1 by a pivot bolt 1-3 and absorbs seismic energy through a scissor-like motion. The torsion spring 1-4 is concentrically mounted around the lower part of the pivot bolt 1-3 and is used to enable the arm to self-center after the seismic force dissipates.

[0034] The vibration isolation hanger 2 is capable of supporting the ceiling grid, used to filter out strong vibration frequencies and provide rotational flexibility during seismic activity. The vibration isolation hanger includes: a top hanger 2-1, an isolation component 2-2, a radial spring 2-3, a conventional spring 2-4, and a bottom hanger 2-5. The top hanger 2-1 is connected to the structural plate of the building, and a cylindrical assembly is provided at the end of the top hanger 2-1. The radial spring 2-3 is arranged around the cylindrical assembly and returns to its central position after earthquake displacement. The conventional spring 2-4 below the radial spring 2-3 is used to support the bottom hanger 2-5 to further filter vibrations. The radial spring 2-3 is designed specifically for this system, providing critical vibration isolation and allowing the hanger assembly to return to its position after a seismic event, enhancing the stability of the ceiling.

[0035] In a specific embodiment, the bottom plate 1 - 1 is attached to the ceiling structure to maintain the position of the damper.

[0036] In a specific embodiment, the bottom plate 1 - 1 is two rectangular plates that serve as mounting points for the entire assembly.

[0037] In a specific embodiment, the pivot bolt 1-3 is provided with a nut and a washer 1-5, which are capable of withstanding the applied force, ensuring that the assembly is stable and the fastener secures the bolt in place.

[0038] In a specific embodiment, the ceiling grid frame is composed of four ceiling panels. These frames are connected to each other using friction dampers 1 and anchored to the wall to obtain stability and flexibility.

[0039] In a specific embodiment, the size of each ceiling panel is 600 mm×600 mm.

[0040] In a specific embodiment, the pivot bolt 1 - 3 serves as a pivot point for connecting the two ends of the arm 1 - 2 .

[0041] In a specific embodiment, the bottom hanger 2-5 provides vertical support and also helps in the vibration isolation process. The bottom hanger 2-5 transfers the filtered vibration energy from the isolation component 2-2 to the ceiling, ensuring the overall stability and elasticity of the ceiling system.

[0042] In a specific embodiment, the top hanger 2-1 is connected to the structural slab of the building and supports the isolation member 2-2 by anchoring its upper portion.

[0043] In a particular embodiment, the cylindrical part at the end of the top hanger 2-1 moves within radial springs 2-3, which counteract the movement by restoring the assembly to its original position.

[0044] Here’s how it works:

[0045] Friction damper 1 works like a pair of scissors, absorbing and dissipating energy as connecting arm 1-2 moves in and out. When subjected to earthquakes or lateral forces, connecting arm 1-2 rotates about pivot bolt 1-3 at its end. Friction between the moving parts and the resistance provided by torsion spring 1-4 dissipate energy, reducing the effects of vibration. Torsion spring 1-4 is located below the nut, ensuring it is concentric with pivot bolt 1-3, with its end fixed to the spring arm. As connecting arm 1-2 rotates, torsion spring 1-4 winds or unwinds, generating a restoring force. Once the force is removed, torsion spring 1-4 returns connecting arm 1-2 to its original position, ensuring friction damper 1 is ready for further movement. Mechanical friction between the pivot joint and the surface absorbs kinetic energy. Torsion spring 1-4 also contributes to damping by resisting sudden movement and providing a controlled return force to the starting position. During seismic activity, top hanger 2-1 transfers vibration energy to isolation element 2-2. A cylindrical member at the end of the top hanger 2-1 moves within radial springs 2-3, counteracting motion by restoring the assembly to its original position. Simultaneously, conventional springs 2-4 further absorb and filter vibrations, significantly reducing the impact on the bottom hanger 2-5 and the ceiling structure. This dual-spring mechanism is crucial for maintaining the integrity of the ceiling during and after a seismic event.

[0046] Components not described in detail in this embodiment are all existing components that can be purchased through public channels.

[0047] The above description of the embodiments is intended to facilitate understanding and use of the invention by those skilled in the art. It will be apparent that those skilled in the art can readily make various modifications to these embodiments and apply the general principles described herein to other embodiments without requiring inventive effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments. Improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention, without departing from the scope of the present invention, should be within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A new low-damage ceiling system, characterized in that: It includes a friction damper (1) and a vibration isolation hanger (2); The friction damper (1) is located at the connection of the ceiling grid frame, can dissipate earthquake energy, prevent joint damage, and make the ceiling frame self-centering after an earthquake occurs; the friction damper (1) includes a connecting arm (1-2) and a torsion spring (1-4), the connecting arm (1-2) is connected to the base plate (1-1) through a pivot bolt (1-3), and absorbs earthquake energy through a scissor-like motion, and the torsion spring (1-4) is concentrically installed around the lower part of the pivot bolt (1-3), and the torsion spring (1-4) is used to make the connecting arm (1-2) self-centering after the earthquake force dissipates; The vibration isolation hanger (2) is capable of supporting a ceiling grid, is used to filter out strong vibration frequencies, and provides rotational flexibility during earthquake activities; the vibration isolation hanger comprises: a top hanger (2-1), an isolation component (2-2), a radial spring (2-3), a conventional spring (2-4), and a bottom hanger (2-5); the top hanger (2-1) is connected to the structural plate of the building, a cylindrical component is provided at the end of the top hanger (2-1), the radial spring (2-3) is arranged around the cylindrical component, and returns to its central position after earthquake displacement; the conventional spring (2-4) below the radial spring (2-3) is used to support the bottom hanger (2-5) to further filter vibration.

2. A novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate (1-1) is attached to the ceiling structure to maintain the position of the damper.

3. A novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom plate (1-1) is two rectangular plates.

4. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The pivot bolt (1-3) is provided with a nut and a washer (1-5), and the nut and the washer (1-5) are capable of bearing the applied force.

5. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The ceiling grid frame is composed of four ceiling panels.

6. A novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 5, characterized in that: The size of each of the ceiling panels is 600 mm x 600 mm.

7. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The pivot bolt (1-3) serves as a pivot point for connecting the two ends of the arm (1-2).

8. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The bottom hanger (2-5) provides vertical support and also helps in the vibration isolation process. The bottom hanger (2-5) transmits the filtered vibration energy from the isolation component (2-2) to the ceiling, ensuring the overall stability and resilience of the ceiling system.

9. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The top hanger (2-1) is connected to the structural slab of the building and supports the isolation member (2-2) by anchoring its upper portion.

10. The novel low-damage ceiling system according to claim 1 is characterized in that: The cylindrical part at the end of the top hanger (2-1) moves within the radial spring (2-3).

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