Suspended Ceiling Keyhole Connector Modular Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suspended ceiling systems have fixed aesthetic configurations, limited adaptability for on-site modifications, and require specialized professionals for installation, leading to high costs and inflexibility in design adjustments.

Innovation Solution

A modular suspended ceiling system featuring elongated beams, connectors with keyhole mechanisms, and locking keys that allow for easy assembly and disassembly, enabling customizable designs and allowing for on-site adjustments without specialized tools, using a basic set of modular components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If fixed aesthetic configuration is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but adaptability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling system is divided into modular components (beams, connectors, keyhole mechanisms) that can be independently manufactured and assembled in various configurations. This segmentation allows standardization of individual parts while enabling customization of the overall system layout to adapt to different room dimensions and design requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow the ceiling structure to be dynamically modified after installation. The keyhole and locking key mechanism enables easy disassembly and reassembly, allowing the configuration to change from fixed to flexible, accommodating both manufacturing simplicity and design adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If specialized attachment mechanisms are used, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The keyhole and locking key mechanism is designed to be self-explanatory and self-operating, requiring no specialized training or tools. The intuitive design allows users to easily insert and lock the keys into the keyholes, achieving strong connections through simple manual operations that anyone can perform without professional expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Loss of time

If fixed design configuration is used, then installation time is reduced, but adaptability for modifications deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation timeVSAvoidadaptability for modifications

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows for rapid initial assembly using standardized components, reducing installation time. Simultaneously, the same modularity enables easy future modifications by simply reconfiguring or replacing individual modules without requiring complete system replacement or specialized skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11384537B2Suspended ceiling system incorporating key and keyhole combinations and method of installing same

Publication Date: 2022.07.12 MARC AURELE ANDRE

AI summary

A suspended ceiling system for supporting panels. The system includes beams and connectors forming keyholes at their junctions. Locking keys are inserted in the keyholes to lock the connectors and beams to each other.