Concealed Ceiling Panel Alignment via Asymmetric Tabs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concealed ceiling systems lack consistent alignment and spacing of panels, leading to an uneven appearance and difficulty in concealing the grid system.
Innovation Solution
A suspended ceiling system with parallel inverted tee-runners and ceiling panels featuring elongated and shorter tabs that interlock with the grid, providing precise alignment through complementary shapes and resilient materials to suppress vibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If ceiling panels are formed with recesses to conceal the grid system, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the alignment consistency and spacing between adjacent panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel is segmented into distinct functional zones: recesses at ends for grid concealment, tabs at corners for suspension and alignment, and relief portions for spacing. This segmentation allows each feature to perform its specific function without interfering with others, achieving both aesthetic concealment and precise alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
Tabs serve as intermediary elements between the ceiling panel and the grid system. These tabs extend into the recesses of adjacent panels and engage with the grid members, mediating the connection between aesthetic concealment requirements and structural alignment needs, ensuring consistent spacing and positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional ceiling panels are used without tabs, then the installation is simpler, but the alignment and spacing between panels becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The tabs are designed to automatically align adjacent panels with each other during installation. As panels are placed into the grid, the tabs engage with the recesses of neighboring panels, causing the panels to self-align and establish consistent spacing without requiring additional alignment tools or procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The tabs are positioned asymmetrically at the corners of the panels, with specific tabs extending further than others. This asymmetric configuration creates a unique engagement pattern with adjacent panels, ensuring proper orientation and consistent spacing while maintaining simple installation procedures.
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
Ensures consistent spacing and alignment of panels, conceals the grid system effectively, and allows for easy installation and removal without additional hardware, maintaining alignment and reducing noise from vibrations.
Implementation Method 1
one of the side walls and one of the end walls of each ceiling panel is provided with a resilient material for inhibiting vibration between adjacent panels
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended ceiling system is provided comprising at least first and second parallel inverted tee-runners. Each tee-runner comprises a horizontal flange and a vertical web, with the vertical web having at least two spaced openings therein. At least one ceiling panel is associated with the parallel tee-runners. The ceiling panel has opposed side walls and opposed end walls, with a pair of first tabs formed at one end of the ceiling panel and a pair of second tabs formed at the opposite end of the panel. The first tabs are relatively longer than the second tabs and have a length sufficient so that each first tab extends through one of the spaced openings in the web of the first inverted tee-runner and rests on the flange of the first tee-runner, with the second tabs being supported by the flange of the second tee-runner.