Suspended Ceiling Frame with Snap-Fastening Spacers for Fire Resistance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for increasing fire resistance in ceilings and partitions are complex and time-consuming, requiring reduced spacing between frame sections and additional plaster applications, which complicates the assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A framework with longitudinal profiled rails and transverse spacers, featuring snap-fastening mechanisms for easy assembly, allowing for the creation of a rigid bidirectional frame that can be used for both ceiling and wall insulation, compatible with existing profiled rails, and enabling the fixing of facing plates on both the rails and spacers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional fire resistance methods are used (reducing spacing between frame sections, adding plaster strips, doubling frames at junctions), then fire resistance is improved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The framework is divided into modular components: longitudinal profiled rails and transverse spacers that can be assembled independently and then connected. This segmentation allows for simpler manufacturing and assembly compared to monolithic fire-resistant assemblies, while maintaining fire safety through the distributed structural system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The profiled rails and spacers serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, create fire-resistant compartments through their spacing arrangement, and enable easy assembly through standardized connection means. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate fire-resistant components, reducing overall assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional fire resistance methods are used (reducing spacing between frame sections, adding plaster strips), then fire resistance is improved, but installation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefire resistanceVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The profiled rails and spacers are pre-manufactured with integrated connection means (such as slots and protrusions) that enable rapid assembly on-site. The fire-resistant configuration is built into the design before installation, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site modifications like adding plaster strips or adjusting frame spacing during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention combines the structural framework and fire-resistant spacing into a single integrated system. The spacers are designed to fit between profiled rails at predetermined intervals, creating fire compartments automatically during the assembly process rather than requiring separate fire-resistant materials to be added afterward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the framework uses conventional profiled rails with minor modifications, then compatibility with existing elements is maintained, but fire resistance must be achieved through alternative means

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with existing elementsVSAvoidfire resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The connection means between spacers and profiled rails are designed with localized features (such as slots in the rails and corresponding protrusions on spacers) that provide secure attachment without requiring modification of the entire rail structure. This allows existing profiled rails to be used while achieving fire resistance through the specific local connection design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1854933B1Grid framework fora suspended ceiling or partition wall and corresponding suspended ceiling or partition wall aimed mainly at increasing their fire resistance

Publication Date: 2011.12.14 PLACOPLATRE SA

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AI summary

The frame has longitudinal rails (2) placed parallel to each other at preset distance and connected by spacers (12). The spacers are arranged transversally with respect to the longitudinal rails and fixed to the rails by ends of the spacers. The spacers are locked on the rails. Ends of each spacer comprise locking tabs (22) that cooperate with recesses (10) that are placed at regular intervals at the level of lateral sides (6) of the rails. Each tab has a clip (24) that projects from the tab. The clips are folded in a plane of the tabs and take a projecting position above the tabs. Independent claims are also included for the following: (1) a ceiling comprising a frame and gypsum baseboard (2) a partition wall comprising a frame and gypsum baseboards.