Suspended Ceiling Hanger with Removable Bracing Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hanger systems for suspended ceilings are costly, overly rigid, and heavy, particularly when the distance between the ceiling slab and the suspended structure exceeds 30 cm, leading to deformation risks and increased weight, which is inefficient for structures like medical devices and standard housing or office constructions.

Innovation Solution

A suspension device featuring a rod with removably fixed bracing means composed of two rigid elements with nested edges forming a sleeve to enhance stability and prevent deformation, allowing for adjustable rigidity and ease of installation, along with a veil to limit air current propagation and fire spread.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If traditional threaded rods are used for hangers, then the structure is simple and easy to install, but the rigidity is insufficient when the distance between ceiling slab and suspended structure exceeds 30 cm, leading to deformation risks

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger is divided into multiple functional segments: a rod element for suspension, bracing elements for lateral stability, and a bearing surface for load distribution. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the rod provides tensile strength while the bracing elements provide lateral rigidity, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and rigidity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions from a one-dimensional rod to a three-dimensional structure by adding bracing elements that extend laterally. The bracing elements create a spatial framework that resists deformation in multiple directions, adding dimensional stability without significantly increasing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Strength

If profiles with large cross section are used to increase rigidity for heavy devices, then the rigidity is sufficient to support heavy medical devices, but the weight of the false ceiling increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidfalse ceiling weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger combines different material properties in a composite structure: the rod element provides tensile strength to support vertical loads, while the bracing elements provide lateral rigidity. This composite approach achieves high load-bearing capacity without requiring a single heavy-profile solution, thereby reducing the overall weight of the false ceiling structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the load-bearing function across multiple lightweight elements (rod + bracing elements) rather than using a single heavy profile, the structure achieves equivalent strength with reduced weight. Each segment is optimized for its specific function, creating an efficient lightweight structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Stability of the object's composition

If oversized hangers with large cross section profiles are used, then the rigidity is sufficient for heavy devices, but the cost of manufacture and installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracing elements are designed as simple, inexpensive components that can be easily manufactured and installed. Rather than using expensive oversized profiles, the invention employs multiple simpler elements that collectively provide the necessary rigidity at lower cost, treating the bracing elements as cost-effective structural additions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

Segmenting the rigidity function across multiple simple bracing elements rather than using a single complex oversized profile reduces manufacturing costs. Each element can be manufactured independently using simpler processes, and the modular nature allows for efficient assembly and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Stability of the object's composition

If the hanger structure is made heavier to prevent deformation at greater distances, then the stability improves, but the ease of installation and removability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovestabilityVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger design allows for dynamic adjustment and easy assembly/disassembly despite providing stable support. The bracing elements can be readily installed and removed, enabling flexibility in installation while maintaining structural stability during service. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction between stability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the hanger into modular components (rod, bracing elements, bearing surface), the structure achieves stability through proper geometric arrangement rather than heavy materials. The modular segments are lightweight and easy to handle, facilitating simple installation and removal while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3162973B1Device for linking a suspended ceiling to a slab
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 ETAB LEROUX
  • EP3162973B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3162973B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3162973B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The present invention relates to a suspension device (1) of a false ceiling structure on a ceiling slab (5), comprising a rod (2), characterized in that it comprises at least one bracing means (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D) removably fixed on the rod (2), composed of at least two rigid bracing elements (3A, 3B, 3C, 3D), fixed on the rod (2) so as to define, by an edge (30A, 30B, 30C, 30D), called upper edge, each a bearing surface or area, intended to bear against the fixed ceiling slab (5).