Acoustic Tee Mounting Clip for Universal T-Grid Box Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current mounting hardware for securing electrical boxes to ceiling structures is unstable and inefficiently manufactured, necessitating the use of multiple bracket sizes to accommodate different T-grid stem sizes, which complicates installation and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic tee mounting clip with a 'W'-shape design, featuring adjustable telescoping bars and multiple fastening points, securely attaches to T-grid ceiling structures, allowing for efficient installation and simplified inventory management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bracket sizes are used to accommodate different T-grid stem sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different T-grid stem sizesVSAvoidnumber of bracket sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clip is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple T-grid stem sizes through adjustable features. The clip includes a stem receiving portion with adjustable positioning mechanisms that allow a single clip design to fit various stem diameters, eliminating the need for multiple specialized brackets for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting clip incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through movable components such as adjustable arms or positioning elements that can be modified to match different T-grid stem sizes. This dynamic adaptability allows the same clip to be configured for various stem dimensions without requiring multiple static bracket designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If current mounting hardware is used, then ease of manufacture is maintained, but stability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of mounting hardwareVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clip is divided into distinct functional segments including a stem receiving portion, an electrical box receiving portion, and fastening mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall manufacturability through modular design and standardized manufacturing processes for each segment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple bracket sizes are used, then adaptability is improved, but loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of different T-grid stem sizesVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The universal mounting clip design eliminates the need to select and switch between multiple bracket sizes during installation. A single clip type can be used for all T-grid stem sizes through its adjustable features, significantly reducing installation time by eliminating the selection and adaptation process for different sizes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The dynamic adjustment capabilities of the mounting clip allow installers to quickly adapt the clip to different stem sizes without time-consuming modifications or replacements. The adjustable features can be rapidly configured on-site, reducing installation time compared to using multiple fixed-size brackets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12483016B2Acoustic tee mounting clip for electrical box support bracket
Publication Date: 2025.11.25 EATON INTELLIGENT POWER LTD
  • US12483016B2 patent drawing
  • US12483016B2 patent drawing
  • US12483016B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An acoustic tee mounting clip is configured to couple a ceiling bracket to a ceiling member. The acoustic tee mounting clip comprises a body having a lower portion, an upper portion, a first arm, and a second arm. The upper portion transitions to the lower portion through an offset connection portion being angled inward such that a portion of the lower portion is more inward relative to a portion of the upper portion. The upper portion comprises a first bent portion, a second bent portion, and a first cut-out, the first cut-out being disposed between the first bent portion and the second bent portion. The first and second arms are respectively disposed at distal ends of the first and second bent portions, wherein the first arm and the second arm bend outward from the distal ends and are configured to be fastened to a horizontal surface of the ceiling bracket.