Sliding Ceiling Panel Bracket Locking for Flexible Baffle Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling panel support systems lack ease of installation, flexibility in positioning, and security, particularly when it comes to suspending elongate panels like baffles made of felt or metal materials.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling panel support system featuring sliding mounting brackets with a securing member that can be easily positioned and locked along an elongate support channel, allowing for repositioning without tools, and providing structural integrity through a separate or integral support portion with a constant cross-section, utilizing materials like plastics or aluminum.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional ceiling panel support systems are used, then installation requires complex procedures and tools, but the patent enables easy installation without tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidcomplexity of support system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into separate functional components: mounting brackets with holding parts that engage within the support channel, and a securing member that locks the brackets in place. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and easy to install while collectively providing a secure support system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The holding parts act as intermediaries between the mounting brackets and the support channel, enabling easy engagement and disengagement. The securing member serves as an intermediary that provides tool-free locking by simply pressing the brackets against the support channel.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed positioning systems are used, then panels cannot be repositioned easily, but the patent allows freedom of positioning and repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of positioningVSAvoidsecurity when installed
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting brackets are designed to be dynamically positionable along the elongate support channel at any location, allowing flexibility in positioning. When the securing member is engaged, the system transitions to a static locked state, providing security. This dynamic capability enables both freedom of positioning and reliable installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different mounting brackets are used for different positions, then positioning flexibility is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidnumber of different bracket types
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal mounting bracket design with holding parts is used for all positions along the elongate support channel. The holding parts engage with the support channel at any location, providing positioning flexibility without requiring multiple different bracket types. This universal design reduces device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4051844B1Ceiling panel support system
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 HUNTER DOUGLAS IND BV
  • EP4051844B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4051844B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP4051844B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A ceiling panel support system including a ceiling panel and a mounting bracket. A ceiling panel has an elongate extent in a longitudinal direction and an upper part including an elongate support portion from which the panel can be suspended, the support portion having an elongate support channel facing outwardly from the panel and the elongate support channel having a pair of opposing lips defining an elongate opening into the elongate support channel, and the opposing lips having, respectively, inwardly facing surfaces. The mounting bracket has a main body to be suspended by a carrier, a holding part configured to be housed within the elongate support channel behind the inwardly facing surfaces of the opposing lips, and a leg configured to extend from the main body to the holding part between the opposing lips. The main body of the mounting bracket includes lower surfaces on either side of the leg configured to face the support portion when the mounting bracket is fitted to the baffle with the holding part housed within the elongate support channel. The system further includes a securing member configured to be inserted between the support portion and the lower surfaces of the main body of the mounting bracket, thereby pressing the holding part against the inwardly facing surfaces of the opening lips and securing the mounting bracket frictionally along the elongate extent of the panel.