Suspended Ceiling Grid Hanger With Field Height and Angle Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspended ceiling systems lack flexibility in mounting ceiling support grids to accommodate varying site conditions, making installation cumbersome and time-consuming, especially for non-professional installers.

Innovation Solution

A field-adjustable grid mounting system featuring an elastically deformable spring clip and slideably coupled hanger member, allowing for quick attachment and height/angle adjustments to accommodate different installation conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional rigid mounting system is used, then the structural stability is maintained, but the adaptability to different site conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different site conditionsVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket incorporates a spring clip that can dynamically adjust its position and frictional engagement force, allowing the rigid bracket structure to adapt to varying installation conditions while maintaining structural stability. The spring mechanism enables the system to accommodate different ceiling heights and angles without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The spring clip's elastic properties allow it to change its physical state between compressed and relaxed conditions, enabling frictional engagement at different positions along the bracket. This parameter change facilitates adaptation to various mounting scenarios while using a single standardized component design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a fixed mounting system is used, then the installation time is reduced, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip automatically engages with the hanger member through frictional force without requiring additional fasteners or complex locking mechanisms. The elastic deformation of the spring provides self-adjusting pressure that secures the connection, eliminating the need for manual tightening or multiple adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If a non-adjustable mounting bracket is used, then the manufacturing precision is maintained, but the adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefield adjustabilityVSAvoidmounting position precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clip's ability to deform elastically allows it to accommodate variations in mounting position while maintaining secure engagement. The dynamic frictional contact adapts to different positions along the bracket length, providing field adjustability without compromising the precision of the manufactured bracket components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easier and faster installation of ceiling support grids by enabling flexible attachment and adjustment, reducing complexity for non-professional installers and improving installation efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

an elastically deformable spring clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the spring clip configured to frictionally secure the hanger member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11274441B2Ceiling system
Publication Date: 2022.03.15 AWI LICENSING LLC
  • US11274441B2 patent drawing
  • US11274441B2 patent drawing
  • US11274441B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Described herein is a ceiling system in one embodiment includes a grid support member, ceiling panel, and grid hanger configured to support the grid support member in a suspended manner from an overhead structural support. The grid hanger includes a mounting bracket configured for attachment to the structural support and a hanger member. The hanger member is adjustable in a plurality of selectable mounting positions relative to the mounting bracket, thereby allowing the mounted height of the grid support member to be adjusted in the field. In some embodiment, the hanger member is further angularly adjustable relative to the mounting bracket to avoid installation obstacles. Locking elements are provided to secure the hanger member in the selected mounting position. In one embodiment, the grid support member may have a T-shaped cross section.