Ceiling Isolation Hanger with Spring and Dampening Material

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for reducing noise and vibration transmission through furring channels in ceiling constructions are either expensive or provide minimal vibration isolation, necessitating a more effective solution for ceiling isolation.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling isolation hanger comprising a bracket with vibration-dampening material, a clip to retain a furring channel, and a spring element extending between the bracket and clip, which is secured to a ceiling joist, providing enhanced vibration isolation by deflecting under load and maintaining a floating ceiling construction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration isolating mounting methods (mounting clips) are used to attach furring channels to ceiling joists, then noise and vibration transmission is reduced, but manufacturing cost increases and vibration isolation effectiveness is minimal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise and vibration transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary vibration-dampening material layer between the bracket and the ceiling joist surface. This intermediary material absorbs and dampens vibrations, preventing them from transmitting through the rigid connection points. The spring element also serves as a vibration-isolating intermediary, providing both mechanical support and vibration isolation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is constructed using composite materials, specifically combining rigid metal structural elements with flexible vibration-dampening materials (such as rubber or polymer compounds). This composite construction provides both structural strength for load-bearing and vibration isolation properties, eliminating the need for expensive specialized vibration isolation clips while achieving effective noise and vibration reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection methods are used to attach furring channels to ceiling joists, then structural stability is improved, but vibration and noise transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidvibration and noise transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from rigid static connections to dynamic vibration-absorbing connections. The spring element provides a dynamic, flexible connection that can deflect and absorb vibrations, while the vibration-dampening material dynamically dissipates vibrational energy. This dynamic approach maintains structural stability for load-bearing while effectively reducing vibration and noise transmission.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The vibration-dampening material acts as an intermediary layer between the rigid bracket and the ceiling joist, mediating the interaction between structural stability requirements and vibration isolation needs. This intermediary material allows the connection to maintain structural integrity while absorbing and dampening vibrations, preventing their transmission through the ceiling assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If floating ceiling construction with vibration isolation is implemented, then noise reduction is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reductionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated bracket assembly. The bracket combines structural support, vibration isolation, and noise reduction functions in one component, eliminating the need for separate vibration isolation clips, dampening materials, and mounting hardware. This consolidation reduces device complexity while maintaining effective noise reduction through the integrated vibration-dampening material and spring element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket is designed as a universal component that performs multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support for the ceiling, isolating vibrations through the vibration-dampening material, reducing noise transmission, and maintaining floating ceiling construction. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall system compared to using separate specialized components for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 ceiling isolation hanger effectively reduces noise and vibration transmission by using vibration-dampening materials and spring elements to create a floating ceiling, offering improved isolation and allowing for level construction despite uneven joists, while being cost-effective.

Implementation Method 1

the bracket comprises vibration dampening material configured to bear against the mounting surface

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration dampening: Damping

Implementation Method 2

the vibration dampening material comprises elastomeric or viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

at least one spring element extending between the bracket and the clip

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 4

the at least one spring element is configured to deflect 0.1'' to 1.0'' under ceiling load

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring deflection: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS10753089B2Ceiling isolation hanger and floating ceiling construction employing same
Publication Date: 2020.08.25 PLITEQ INC
  • US10753089B2 patent drawing
  • US10753089B2 patent drawing
  • US10753089B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A ceiling isolation hanger comprises a bracket configured to be secured to an overhead mounting surface. The bracket comprises vibration dampening material configured to bear against the mounting surface, a clip configured to engage and retain a furring channel beneath the mounting surface, and at least one spring element extending between the bracket and the clip.