Suspended Ceiling Mounting Bracket with Resilient Element
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems face challenges in maintaining alignment of edges, controlling panel level, and achieving an adequate air seal between the support grid and ceiling panels, leading to visible light variations and air leakage issues.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system comprising a grid support with struts and connection assemblies, including mounting brackets with resilient elements and saddle brackets, which provide vertical and horizontal registration and locking mechanisms to ensure precise alignment and sealing between the ceiling panels and the grid support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple inexpensive suspended ceiling systems are used, then cost is reduced, but alignment of panel edges and control of panel level deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection assembly is divided into separate functional components: a mounting bracket for attaching to the ceiling panel, a resilient element for providing biasing force, and a saddle bracket for engaging with the grid support. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element acts as an intermediary between the mounting bracket and the saddle bracket, providing a controlled biasing force that maintains consistent panel level and alignment. This intermediary component translates the connection between the panel and grid support into a controlled mechanical interaction that ensures precision without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.
2Device complexity
If simple suspended ceiling systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but air seal between grid support and ceiling panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle bracket incorporates a curved or contoured surface that engages with the ceiling panel and grid support, creating a more effective air seal. The curved geometry allows for better contact and sealing compared to flat surfaces, preventing air leakage while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element functions as a flexible component that can deform to create an effective air seal between the ceiling panel and grid support. This flexible element adapts to minor variations in panel position and grid support geometry, ensuring a reliable seal without requiring rigid complex structures.
3Manufacturing precision
If resilient element is added to provide biasing force, then alignment and sealing are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient element is designed to automatically provide the necessary biasing force and alignment without requiring external adjustment mechanisms or complex control systems. The spring-loaded design self-regulates to maintain consistent panel level and sealing, eliminating the need for additional active components or adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient element utilizes elastic deformation and spring constant variations to provide controlled biasing force. By changing the physical parameters of the resilient element (such as spring constant, pre-load, and material properties), the system achieves precise alignment and sealing while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
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 solution ensures straight alignment of ceiling panels, maintains consistent panel levels, and provides an effective air seal, enhancing the appearance and functionality of suspended ceiling systems by addressing alignment and sealing issues.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient element is detachably coupled to the saddle bracket. The resilient element biases the mounting bracket, the flange portion of the strut, and the support flange of the saddle bracket together.
Data Source
AI summary
A connection assembly for mounting a ceiling panel to a grid support, including a saddle bracket for use in the same and a ceiling system incorporating the same. The connection assembly may comprise a mounting bracket assembly including a resilient element and a mounting bracket and a saddle bracket having stepped support flange. When coupled together the mounting bracket and the stepped support flange of the saddle bracket are in contact with one another and a flange portion of a strut of the support grid is sandwiched between and in contact with each of the mounting bracket and the stepped support flange.