Suspended Ceiling Grid Runner Brace for Sag Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
In island-type suspended ceilings, the setback of suspension wires from the perimeter trim leads to sagging and pivoting of grid runners, causing the ceiling to deviate from its intended plane due to unsupported weight, particularly at cantilevered sections.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning sheet metal brace is designed to bridge the joint between grid runner ends, providing additional beam strength and preventing sagging by transferring bending moments to supported runners, while maintaining a narrow profile to avoid interference with ceiling panels and connectors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If suspension wires are setback from the perimeter trim, then they are less conspicuous to observers, but grid runners sag and pivot downward due to unsupported weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a concealed support element as an intermediary component between the suspension wire and the grid runner. This mediator transfers the load from the cantilevered grid runner to the suspension wire without requiring the wire to be visible at the perimeter, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and structural stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the support function from the visible horizontal plane (perimeter trim area) to a concealed vertical dimension (within the grid runner structure). The support element is embedded within or attached to the grid runner in a location that is structurally effective but visually hidden, transferring the load path to a different spatial dimension.
2Ease of operation
If grid runners are cantilevered from suspension wires, then perimeter trim can be installed, but the runners tend to sag and cause the ceiling to rise above its intended plane
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary reinforcement to the grid runner structure before the sagging problem occurs. The concealed support element is pre-installed or integrated into the grid runner assembly, providing preemptive structural reinforcement that prevents deformation under load, thereby maintaining ceiling plane precision while allowing perimeter trim installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grid runners have end joints between perimeter trim and suspension wires, then setback suspension wires are possible, but the joints lack sufficient beam strength to support the weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a composite structural system by combining the grid runner, the concealed support element, and the suspension wire into an integrated load-bearing assembly. This composite structure distributes stresses across multiple components, providing the necessary beam strength at the joint while maintaining the flexibility to place suspension wires in aesthetically appropriate locations.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended ceiling grid assembly including parallel spaced main runners and pairs of cross runners on opposite sides of a main runner, the main runners having vertical slots spaced along their lengths, the cross runners having end connectors mutually inter-engaged in a common main runner slot, a brace stabilizing the pair of cross runners against relative hinge action in a vertical plane, the brace being a thin metal body having a cross section complimentary to a cross section of the cross runners, the brace abutting sides of the cross runners and being rigidly attached thereto.