Ceiling Anchor Assembly for Normal-Load Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mounting items on ceilings lack the ability to effectively withstand normal forces from suspended items, often resulting in dislodgment of the anchor from the ceiling.

Innovation Solution

The use of a base plate with load-bearing connectors and prong-bearing insert plates that are attached to the ceiling, allowing items to be connected in a manner that aligns the force vector with the normal axis of the base plate, thereby enhancing the anchor's ability to resist normal forces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If existing mounting solutions are used on ceilings, then installation is simple, but the anchor dislodges under normal forces from suspended items

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanchor retentionVSAvoidresistance to normal forces

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The anchor system is divided into separate functional components: a base plate that interfaces with the ceiling surface and prong-bearing insert plates that provide mechanical engagement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the base plate distributing loads and the insert plates providing anchoring strength through their prongs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insert plates are configured to engage with the ceiling in a manner that transforms the force application. By orienting the prongs perpendicular to the ceiling surface and arranging them to resist forces in multiple directions, the system adds dimensional stability and resistance to normal forces that were not present in conventional single-dimension mounting solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If prong-bearing insert plates are used to resist normal forces, then load-bearing capacity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-bearing capacityVSAvoidanchor structure

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate and insert plates are designed to work together as an integrated system. The insert plates are attached to the base plate, combining the load-distribution function of the base plate with the mechanical engagement capability of the prong-bearing insert plates. This merging creates a unified structure that achieves high load-bearing capacity without requiring multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the insert plates, distributes loads across the ceiling surface, and maintains the geometric relationship between the insert plates and the suspended item. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20250067392A1Kits, assemblies and methods for suspending objects from ceilings

Publication Date: 2025.02.27 3M INNOVATIVE PROPERTIES CO

AI summary

Arrangements for suspending one or more items from a ceiling. Such arrangements may use a base plate along with prong-bearing insert plates that are attached to the ceiling. At least one item may be connected to a load-bearing connector of the base plate, so that a load that is applied to the base plate as a result of the mass of the item produces a force vector that is at least generally aligned with a normal axis of the base plate.