Angled Ceiling Connectors for Ornamental Suspended Grid Layouts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspended ceiling systems are limited to square and rectangular grids, restricting the ability to create unique and ornamental designs such as triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids, which are necessary for creating aesthetically beautiful ceilings.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of angled and corner connectors with adjustable angles and protuberances that allow for the formation of flexible grid designs, enabling the support of ornamental panel shapes like triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids by aligning with standard or custom slots on beams.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional connectors are used, then the grid structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the design is restricted to squares and rectangles only
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: a body portion that interfaces with beams, an extension portion that creates angular configurations, and a fastening mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall simplicity of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates adjustable angular configurations through its extension portion, allowing it to adapt to different panel shapes (triangles, parallelograms, trapezoids) rather than being fixed to a single geometric configuration. This dynamic adaptability enables versatile ceiling designs without requiring multiple specialized connectors.
2Adaptability or versatility
If angled connectors are introduced to create unique grid designs, then ornamental panel designs become possible, but the connector structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed as a universal component that can create multiple angular configurations (including standard 90-degree corners and various angled connections) using a single connector type. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to manufacture multiple specialized connectors for different geometric configurations, simplifying the manufacturing process while enabling diverse ceiling designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates adjustable parameters including various angles of the extension portion relative to the body portion, different lengths of extension arms, and configurable fastening positions. These parameter variations allow a single base connector design to accommodate multiple panel shapes and ceiling configurations without requiring complex specialized components for each variant.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed-angle connectors are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but the ability to accommodate custom slot locations is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connector features an adjustable extension portion that can be positioned at various angles and orientations to align with custom slot locations on beams. This dynamic configurability allows the same connector to adapt to both standard and custom slot patterns without requiring specialized connectors for each slot configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector incorporates self-aligning features including positioning protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the beams, and adjustable fastening mechanisms that automatically align with available slots. This self-service capability reduces the need for precise pre-positioning and simplifies installation while maintaining compatibility with various slot locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling beam connector that permits the incorporation of ornamental panel designs such as triangles, parallelograms, and trapezoids into suspended ceilings. The connector has a faceplate attached to either two arms or a leg. The leg is attached to either the faceplate or an arm at an acute angle measured from an axis perpendicular to the faceplate. To maintain standard beam lengths and rout spacing at 2 foot, 3 foot, or 4 foot (61 cm, 91 cm, or 122 cm) beam spacing, the leg may project out at the following angles measured from the axis: about 14.0°, about 18.4°, about 26.6°, about 30.3°, about 45.0°, about 59.7°, about 63.4°, about 71.6°, or about 76.0°.