Suspended Ceiling Grid Adapter Seismic Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems with metal grids require two opposing cross beams to securely connect with main beams, which limits design flexibility and fails to maintain connections under stress, such as during seismic events, especially when accommodating decorative or fixture requirements.
Innovation Solution
An L-shaped adapter is used to create a secure connection between a single cross beam and a main beam, utilizing existing connector elements, ensuring retention under stress by occupying the space of the omitted second connector and securing with a rivet, thereby maintaining resistance to separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single cross beam is used to connect to a main beam, then design flexibility is improved and decorative effects are achieved, but connection strength deteriorates and the connection cannot withstand stress
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter acts as an intermediary component between the single cross beam connector and the main beam slot. It provides the missing engagement surface that a second connector would normally provide, allowing the slot to retain a single connector under stress while maintaining connection strength comparable to traditional two-connector assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system is segmented into distinct functional components: the cross beam connector, the adapter, and the main beam slot. The adapter is further segmented into an engagement portion that interfaces with the connector and a extension portion that interfaces with the slot, allowing independent optimization of each component's function.
2Ease of operation
If a single cross beam connection is used, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability under seismic stress deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter serves as a mediator that preserves the reliability characteristics of two-connector connections while enabling single-connector installation. It transfers and distributes the seismic loads that would normally be shared between two connectors, ensuring the connection meets building code requirements for seismic resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter is pre-installed in the main beam slot before the connector is inserted. This beforehand preparation ensures that the engagement geometry is already optimized for load-bearing, providing immediate structural support and preventing connector pullout under seismic stress without requiring complex installation procedures.
3Reliability
If traditional two-connector connections are used, then connection reliability is maintained, but device complexity increases and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The second connector is extracted from the assembly, eliminating the need for opposing cross beams while maintaining connection reliability through the adapter. This extraction simplifies the overall device by removing unnecessary components and reducing installation complexity while preserving the essential load-bearing function.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter performs multiple functions: it provides the missing engagement surface for the connector, distributes loads within the slot, prevents connector rotation, and enables both single-connector and traditional two-connector connection modes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter for securing a cross beam to a main beam in a suspended ceiling. The adapter includes a first leg having a ramp portion on a top edge of the first leg and a hook portion on a bottom edge of the first leg, a second leg attached to the first leg on a first side of the first leg. The second leg includes a larger portion which extends above the first leg to a second side of the first leg.