Cam Lock Splice Plate for Trim Strips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing splice plates for joining extruded trim strips in suspended ceiling islands and fascias face issues with limited holding strength, face distortion, and installation complexity due to the use of set screws, which either lack desired power or risk deforming the trim faces.
Innovation Solution
A splice plate design incorporating a cam lock mechanism with a base plate and cam lock made of sheet material, featuring projections, bend lines, and flanges to securely engage fasteners without deforming the trim faces, providing additional holding strength and efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If set screws are used to secure the splice plate to the trim strips, then the splice plate can be attached to the trim strips, but the holding force is limited by the vertical wall's deformation resistance and the face may be permanently bowed or blemished
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cam lock mechanism as an intermediary between the fastener and the trim strip face. The cam lock engages with the trim strip's track structure rather than pushing directly against the face, transferring the fastening force through a different path that avoids deforming the appearance face while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the dimension of force application from direct vertical compression on the face to a combination of horizontal engagement with the track and vertical locking through the cam mechanism. This dimensional shift allows the fastener to secure the splice plate without concentrating force on the face in a way that causes distortion.
2Strength
If additional set screws are added to increase holding power, then the holding force increases, but the splice plate size increases and crowds out other accessory plates
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism provides dynamic locking action where a single fastener can generate high holding force through the cam's mechanical advantage. This dynamic force multiplication allows achieving the desired holding power without adding multiple static fasteners, thereby keeping the splice plate area minimal and available for other accessories.
3Ease of operation
If set screws are used to secure the splice plate, then the splice plate can be attached, but the installer cannot readily tighten or hold a joint tight when holding both the screw and the power driver
Solution Approach 1:
The cam lock mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-locking. The cam's geometry automatically guides the fastener into proper alignment with the track, and the cam's shape creates a mechanical lock that secures the splice plate without requiring the installer to manually position or hold multiple components. This self-servicing mechanism simplifies the installation process and increases productivity.
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
The cam lock mechanism enhances holding strength, prevents face distortion, and simplifies the installation process by allowing secure engagement without direct contact with the trim faces, reducing the risk of misalignment and increasing construction efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cam lock made of a sheet of material that is bent, has a first side and a second side defining a height, and has a second thickness. The cam lock includes a second aperture through which a fastener may pass to connect the base plate and the cam lock.
Data Source
AI summary
A splice plate for joining and aligning extruded trim strips used in suspended ceiling islands and fascias. The splice plate has at least one cam lock connected to a base plate by a fastener. The fastener passes through an aperture in the cam lock and an aperture formed by a projection in the base plate that projects a distance from the face of the base plate. To prevent deformation of the trim strips, the cam lock and base plate may each include bend lines forming an obtuse angle wherein the obtuse angle of the cam lock is less than the obtuse angle of the base plate.