Suspended Ceiling Grid With Spring-Loaded Connection Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems face challenges in achieving precise alignment and stability of free-hanging ceiling panels, which are aesthetically appealing but sensitive to air flows and require complex mounting processes, especially when small gaps between panels are involved, affecting acoustic performance.
Innovation Solution
A suspended ceiling system comprising a grid of profiles with runners, where ceiling panels are connected to multiple runners using attachment profiles and spring-loaded connection members, allowing for precise positioning and rearrangement without altering the foundation's position, reducing connection points, and providing mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If free-hanging ceiling panels are suspended by suspension members connecting to ceiling structure, then aesthetic appeal and design freedom are improved, but sensitivity to air flows and mounting complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediate grid structure (runners and cross runners) that mediates between the ceiling panels and the ceiling structure. This grid system simplifies the mounting process by providing pre-established attachment points, eliminating the need for direct suspension member installation to the ceiling structure for each panel, while maintaining the free-hanging aesthetic appearance of the panels.
2Reliability
If ceiling panels are arranged with small distances between them, then acoustic performance is improved, but alignment precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure (runners and cross runners) is installed beforehand to establish precise reference lines and positioning points. This preliminary action creates a stable framework that guides the placement of ceiling panels at correct intervals, ensuring accurate alignment and consistent small gaps between panels without requiring high precision during the actual panel installation process.
3Ease of operation
If ceiling panels are embedded in a grid of profiles, then alignment ease and system stability are improved, but aesthetic appeal and design freedom decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the ceiling system into distinct functional components: a hidden grid structure (runners and cross runners) that provides alignment and stability, and free-hanging ceiling panels that provide aesthetic appeal. The grid structure is segmented into modular units that can be independently installed and adjusted, while panels are separately suspended to maintain their aesthetic appearance without being visually constrained by the grid.
4Manufacturing precision
If precise positioning of ceiling panels is required, then alignment quality is improved, but mounting time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grid structure with pre-positioned runners and cross runners is installed beforehand to create a reference framework. This preliminary action establishes accurate positioning points that guide subsequent panel installation, ensuring high alignment quality without requiring time-consuming measurements and adjustments during the actual panel mounting process.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a suspended ceiling system (1) comprising a grid of profiles (3) comprising at least one runner (12) each being provided with a plurality of fixing points (30), the grid of profiles (3) being suspended in a ceiling structure (11) by means of pressure resistant suspension members (13) in order to sustain upwardly directed loads; a ceiling panel (10, 10a, 10b) provided with at least one attachment point (52); and one connection member (20) for each attachment point (52); wherein each connection member (20) is connected to a selected one of said fixing points; and wherein each of the connection members (20) comprises a lock arranged to releasably connect to one of the at least one attachment points (52) of said ceiling panel (10, 10a, 10b) in response to the attachment point (52) being pushed in an upward direction towards the lock; whereby the ceiling panel (10, 10a, 10b) is suspended by said at least one runner (12). The present invention further relates to a method for mounting such a suspended ceiling.