Ceiling Hanger Connection with Deformable Tongues
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling hangers with U-sections face issues with secure attachment due to vulnerable connections, leading to potential separation under high loads and deformation, which compromises the stability of suspended false ceilings.
Innovation Solution
The ceiling hanger features deformable tongues and return lugs on the connecting end that engage with the U-section's curved edges, preventing relative movement and ensuring secure attachment by blocking translation and vertical movement, while the rod is reinforced with bent edges for enhanced rigidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the connection between the connecting end and U-section is simplified, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of the connection deteriorates leading to separation under high loads
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple functional elements: return lugs that engage with flanges, deformable tongues that engage with curved edges, and lateral bearing surfaces. This segmentation allows each element to perform a specific function, collectively providing robust connection reliability without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The return lugs and deformable tongues are pre-positioned on the connecting end before engagement with the U-section. The deformable tongues are initially in a deformed state, ready to engage with the curved edges. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the U-section is installed, the connection elements are already in place to prevent separation, improving reliability without requiring complex assembly procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If the connecting end uses rigid fixed elements only, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tongues are designed to be flexible rather than rigid, allowing them to deform during assembly to engage with the curved edges of the U-section. This dynamic characteristic enables easy installation while maintaining precise positioning once engaged. The tongues can be manually or mechanically deformed to snap into place, combining manufacturing precision with operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The physical state of the connecting elements changes during assembly. The deformable tongues transition from a deformed state during installation to a locked state during operation. This parameter change allows the connection to be easy to assemble initially, then becomes rigid and precise once the tongues are deformed into their final position, engaging the curved edges securely.
3Ease of operation
If the U-section is poorly adjusted on the connecting end, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability deteriorates causing deformation and spacing of curved wing edges
Solution Approach 1:
The deformable tongues automatically adjust to engage with the curved edges of the U-section once the U-section is placed on the connecting end. The tongues deform under the weight of the U-section and lock into position, providing self-adjusting stabilization. This eliminates the need for precise manual adjustment while ensuring structural stability, as the tongues naturally seek their engaged position regardless of initial placement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable tongues are pre-designed to accommodate variations in positioning. Their flexibility allows them to absorb misalignment and deformation forces that would otherwise cause instability. By providing this cushioning capability beforehand, the connection remains stable even when the U-section is not perfectly adjusted, preventing spacing of the curved wing edges while maintaining ease of installation.
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
The design provides a robust and secure attachment of the U-section to the connecting end, preventing separation and deformation, ensuring reliable suspension of false ceilings even under high loads.
Implementation Method 1
said connecting end has deformable tongues intended to extend respectively opposite said lateral bearing surfaces, said deformable tongues being deformable between a position apart from said lateral bearing surfaces and a close position of said lateral bearing surfaces
Implementation Method 2
said lateral bearing surfaces have respectively a return lug, the return lugs of said lateral bearing surfaces being intended to engage respectively in said opposite flanges to prevent the relative movement of said U-section and of said connecting end
Implementation Method 3
the curved edges engage between the lateral bearing surfaces and the deformable, deformed tongues. Also, the curved edges are then prisoners of the connecting end, because their vertical movement is then prohibited
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4A~5
AI summary
The device (10) has a longitudinal rod fixed in a ceiling wall, and a connection end (14) engaged in an interior space of a U-shape section (32) e.g. rail. The connection end is provided with two lateral support spans (22, 24) returning with respect to the rod. The lateral support spans have return spigots (30) that are respectively engaged in opposite edges for prohibiting relative movement of the U-shape section and the connection end. The lateral support spans are extended between a proximal part and a distal part.