Segmented Ceiling Grid Member for Flexible Load-Bearing Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing elongated ceiling grid members lack the ability to easily and securely attach different sized structural members and room accessories at variable locations, while ensuring stability and load-bearing capacity.
Innovation Solution
The elongated ceiling grid members feature upper and lower portions with channel nuts and springs to receive fasteners, a middle portion with threaded openings, and support portions to accommodate various fastener sizes and loads, allowing flexible attachment points and enhanced structural support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ceiling grid members are used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to attach different sized members at variable locations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling grid member is divided into distinct segments: an upper portion with a first channel nut for ceiling attachment, a lower portion with a second channel nut for support attachment, and a middle portion with threaded openings for accessory mounting. This segmentation allows each portion to serve specific attachment functions, enabling versatile configuration while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The grid member incorporates multiple universal attachment mechanisms: channel nuts that accept various fastener sizes, threaded openings for different accessory types, and multiple attachment locations along the length. This multi-functionality allows a single grid member design to accommodate diverse structural members and room accessories with varying load requirements at variable locations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple attachment points are added for different sized fasteners, then attachment versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the grid member have specialized local qualities: the upper and lower portions feature channel nuts with inwardly extending flanges for secure fastener retention, while the middle portion has threaded openings for accessory attachment. This local differentiation allows each region to be optimized for its specific attachment function while using consistent manufacturing processes for the overall member.
3Ease of manufacture
If the grid member structure is simplified, then manufacturing is easier, but load-bearing capacity and stability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The grid member merges multiple attachment functions into a single integrated component. The channel nuts with inwardly extending flanges combine fastener retention and structural strengthening functions, while the threaded openings in the middle portion provide additional attachment capability. This merging allows the member to bear various loads from different accessories while maintaining a simple production process using standard forming and threading operations.
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
Enables easy and secure attachment of diverse structural members and accessories at variable locations, providing stability and sufficient load-bearing capacity for ceiling grid assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a first channel nut and spring assembly in the first space, the first channel nut having a first groove that receives the tongue of the upper flange
Implementation Method 2
a second channel nut and spring assembly in the second space, the second channel nut having a second groove that receives the tongue of the lower flange
Data Source
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AI summary
An elongated ceiling grid member that includes an upper portion that extends along the longitudinal axis of the elongated ceiling grid member and is configured to receive and engage a first set of one or more fastener members, a lower portion that extends along the longitudinal axis and is configured to receive and engage a second set of one or more fastener members and a middle portion between the upper and lower portions that is configured to receive and engage one or more supports. The lower portion and the middle portion are configured such that supports engaged by the middle portion are received through the lower portion. The upper portion may be designed to receive and engage a first channel nut and the lower portion may be configured to receive and engage a second channel nut. The middle portion may include a pair of spaced and parallel threaded side walls that form a threaded opening.