Suspended Ceiling Bracket for Connector Strain Relief
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current horizontal cabling techniques in plenum spaces are prone to accidental disconnection due to physical impact or excessive strain, posing safety risks and failing to provide adequate strain relief for connectors installed within ceiling spaces.
Innovation Solution
A connector mounting bracket that can be clipped to a drop wire within a ceiling space, featuring a clip for secure attachment and a design that allows for direct mounting of connectors and surface mount boxes, providing strain relief and protection against physical impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If connectors are installed directly in plenum spaces using J-hooks, then installation is simple and quick, but the connection is susceptible to accidental disconnection and physical impact
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket as an intermediary component between the connector and the plenum space. The bracket is attached to the ceiling structure using J-hooks or similar mounting mechanisms, while the connector is then secured to the bracket. This intermediary structure protects the connector from direct exposure to physical impact and strain, while maintaining ease of installation through the simple bracket attachment process.
2Device complexity
If connectors are suspended in ceiling spaces without mounting brackets, then device complexity is reduced, but strain relief and protection against physical impact are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is segmented into distinct functional components: a mounting bracket that attaches to the ceiling structure, and a connector that secures to the bracket. This segmentation allows the bracket to handle mounting complexity and protection functions, while the connector focuses on electrical connection. The modular design provides strain relief and physical impact protection without requiring an overly complex integrated structure.
3Reliability
If connectors are mounted on brackets in ceiling spaces, then strain relief and protection are improved, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed as a universal component that can be attached to various ceiling structures using different mounting methods (J-hooks, screws, adhesives). The bracket provides multiple functions: structural support, strain relief, physical impact protection, and cable management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity while maximizing protective benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket and associated components provides a means to securely install one or more connectors within a dropped ceiling. The bracket can be mounted to a drop wire or threaded rod within a ceiling space, thereby suspending the bracket and associated connectors within the ceiling space. One or more connectors coupled to a cable can be directly installed on the bracket via port windows cut into the bracket. Alternatively, a surface mount box containing connectors can be mounted on the bracket to yield a protected, strain-resistant connector installation within the ceiling space. The bracket and associated components can be made of plenum-rated materials, making the mounting solution suitable for installations within plenum spaces.