Articulating Ceiling Mount with Ball Pivot and Cable Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems lack flexibility in accommodating various panel shapes and orientations, requiring complex adjustments and specialized hardware for different configurations.
Innovation Solution
The use of articulating ceiling panel mounting assemblies featuring a ball element pivotably mounted to a building support structure, allowing for easy adjustment of panel height and orientation without tools, using a cable system with a ball socket and elongated lug that bypasses the ball element, enabling secure attachment of panels with diverse geometries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional mounting hardware is used for suspended ceiling panels, then the mounting structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility in accommodating various panel shapes and orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is designed as a universal system that can accommodate various ceiling panel shapes, sizes, and orientations using a single standardized hardware configuration. The ball element and socket mechanism provide multi-functional capability to handle different installation scenarios without requiring specialized hardware for each panel type.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly incorporates dynamic elements including a ball element that can pivot within the socket, allowing the assembly to adapt its orientation automatically. This dynamic capability enables the same mounting hardware to securely hold panels in various positions (horizontal, vertical, angled) while maintaining structural integrity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If complex adjustments are made to accommodate different panel configurations, then various panel shapes can be supported, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and requires specialized hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly features self-adjusting capabilities where the ball element automatically orients itself within the socket based on the panel's position and weight distribution. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for complex manual adjustments or specialized alignment procedures, allowing installers to quickly secure panels in various configurations using simple plug-and-play installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system is divided into modular components (ball element, socket, cable mounting channel, Lug) that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows for rapid assembly and adaptation to different panel types without requiring complex integrated systems, reducing installation time while maintaining versatility.
3Device complexity
If the cable passes through the ball element, then the mounting structure is simplified, but the ball element cannot pivot freely and the cable may interfere with panel adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The cable routing is extracted from the ball element itself and redirected through a separate cable mounting channel in the Lug. This separation removes the cable from the pivot mechanism, allowing the ball element to rotate and pivot freely without cable interference, while still providing secure cable support through the dedicated channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable mounting channel acts as an intermediary structure that provides a dedicated pathway for the cable between the support structure and the ball element assembly. This mediator allows the cable to be securely mounted while maintaining clear separation from the pivoting ball element, enabling both structural simplicity and operational freedom.
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
Enables easy installation and adjustment of ceiling panels with different shapes and orientations, maintaining vertical orientation and supporting various configurations using common mounting hardware, enhancing installation efficiency and visual flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
a ball element which pivotably mounts the panel to a building support structure
Implementation Method 2
The mounting assemblies automatically maintain a vertical orientation regardless of the angular orientation of or shape of the panel surfaces
Implementation Method 3
a cable having a first end coupled to the support structure
Implementation Method 4
a cable system with a ball socket and elongated lug that bypasses the ball element, enabling secure attachment of panels with diverse geometries
Implementation Method 5
articulating ceiling panel mounting assemblies featuring a ball element pivotably mounted to a building support structure
Implementation Method 6
allowing for easy adjustment of panel height and orientation without tools
Implementation Method 7
a cable mounting channel in the Lug extending from a first opening to a second opening, the cable entering the first opening, extending through the cable mounting channel, and exiting the second opening
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
A suspended ceiling system in one embodiment includes a ceiling panel and a mounting assembly. The mounting assembly includes a cable secured to a building support structure, a first coupler for attachment to the cable, and a second coupler for attachment to the ceiling panel. The first coupler includes a cable mounting channel having first and second openings and a cable adjustment mechanism for releasably gripping the cable. In one implementation, the adjustment mechanism includes a spring-biased plunger configured to engage the cable. The cable is routed through the channel from the first to second opening. The position of the cable with respect to the first coupler may be adjusted to select the desired position and angular orientation of the ceiling panel. In one embodiment, the first coupler includes ball element pivotably engaged with the second coupler to accommodate various angular positions of the panel and/or panel configurations.