Suspended Ceiling Clamping Element Reducing Installation Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems face difficulties in easily clamping and removing suspension elements from the runner beads due to the requirement of significant force and limited maneuverability, especially when space constraints are present.
Innovation Solution
A suspended ceiling system with a suspension element featuring a clamping means comprising an engaging element and a clamping surface, allowing for easy attachment and detachment by tilting around a longitudinal axis, and an upright part acting as a lever to reduce the necessary force, along with a supporting element for secure suspension from wire hangers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a suspension element with two legs pressing against the runner bead is used, then the suspension element can be securely clamped on the runner, but it requires significant force to clamp or remove the suspension element
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension element is divided into two functional parts: an engaging element that inserts through the suspension opening to provide secure attachment, and a separate clamping surface that contacts the runner bead. This segmentation allows the engaging element to provide strong clamping security while the clamping surface geometry enables easy operation with reduced force requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping surface acts as an intermediary between the suspension element and the runner bead. By designing the clamping surface with specific geometry and positioning it at an angle to the runner bead, it mediates the clamping force distribution, allowing secure attachment while reducing the effort needed to clamp or remove the suspension element.
2Strength
If the suspension element is already clamped on the runner, then it can support the runner weight, but it becomes difficult to position the suspension hook underneath for wire hanger attachment
Solution Approach 1:
The engaging element is designed to be inserted through the suspension opening first, establishing the suspension element's position on the runner before the wire hanger is attached. This preliminary action of inserting the engaging element through the opening allows subsequent easy positioning of the suspension hook underneath the suspension element without requiring complex maneuvers or tilting operations.
3Strength
If significant force is applied to clamp the suspension element on the runner, then secure attachment is achieved, but the wire hanger and suspension hook hinder the clamping process
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the engagement function (inserting through suspension opening) from the clamping function (contacting runner bead), the design allows these operations to be performed independently. The engaging element can be inserted first without interference from the wire hanger, and then the clamping surface can be engaged to provide secure attachment.
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 system enables quick and secure clamping/unclamping with reduced force requirements, allowing for easier installation and maintenance, and provides stable suspension with minimal space requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The clamping surface is adapted to clamp on a top part of the bead of the runner
Implementation Method 2
The engaging element is engageable in a suspension opening of the runner
Implementation Method 3
the runner is tilted over a tilt axis which is perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the runner
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a suspension element for a suspended ceiling, more particularly for suspending a runner of a suspended ceiling along a suspension direction. The suspension element comprises a clamping means provided for clamping the suspension element on a bead of the runner. The clamping means comprises an engaging element and a clamping surface. The engaging element is engageable in a suspension opening of the runner. The clamping surface is adapted to clamp on a top part of the bead of the runner when the engaging element is engaged in the suspension opening of the runner. Further, the present invention also provides a suspended ceiling system for making a suspended ceiling, a suspended ceiling, and a method for making a suspended ceiling.