Ceiling Panel Clip for Torsion Spring Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems with spring-mounted panels face difficulties in quick and precise positioning due to reliance on springs for horizontal and longitudinal alignment, resulting in irregular joints.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function clip that attaches the suspension spring to the ceiling panel, allowing it to hinge and orient at 90 degrees for easy installation, eliminating the need for springs to locate panels horizontally and enabling precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If springs are used to suspend ceiling panels and provide horizontal positioning, then the panels can be supported vertically, but the joints between panels become irregular due to imprecise horizontal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the positioning function into two separate components: the spring provides vertical support while the clip provides horizontal positioning. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in one function, resulting in precise joint alignment through the clip's positioning features while maintaining quick installation via the spring's vertical support.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously attaches the spring to the panel and provides precise horizontal positioning through integrated positioning features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms, enabling both precise joint regularity and quick installation.
2Ease of operation
If the spring arms are kept extended for panel suspension, then the panel can be easily accessed from one side, but the spring occupies excessive space during shipping and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention creates a dynamic positioning system where the spring arms can be folded to a compact position using the clip as a hinge during shipping and storage, then easily extended to the operational position during installation. The clip's hinge feature enables this dynamic transformation, reducing shipping volume while maintaining access convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip acts as an intermediary mechanism between the spring and the panel, providing a hinge point that allows the spring arms to be folded compactly for shipping while still enabling easy extension to the operational position for panel suspension and access.
3Volume of moving object
If the spring arms are folded flat against the panel for shipping, then shipping space is reduced, but the spring cannot be easily grasped and positioned during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The clip serves as an intermediary that maintains the spring arms in a predetermined extended position during installation, making them easily graspable by the installer. The same clip mechanism allows the spring to be folded flat against the panel during shipping, thus reducing shipping space while facilitating easy handling during installation.
4Manufacturing precision
If multiple separate components are used for spring attachment and positioning, then each function can be optimized, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the spring attachment function and the horizontal positioning function into a single integrated clip component. The clip includes both the attachment features for securing the spring and the positioning features for precise horizontal alignment, thereby achieving high positioning accuracy while reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall device.
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
Facilitates quick and precise installation of ceiling panels by allowing the clip to precisely locate them on the grid, reducing irregular joints and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
springs can be of the torsion type having a pair of arms extending from a central coil
Implementation Method 2
In a free state, the arm are widely divergent so that when confined by slots or stops at the plane of the grid, the arms draw the panel upwardly against the grid
Implementation Method 3
The stops frictionally hold the spring arms in a 90 degree orientation
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
A rectangular panel for a suspended ceiling, the panel having a suspension spring with two divergent arms at each of two opposed panel edges mounted on a rear side of the panel, each spring being mounted on the panel in an arrangement permitting the arms to lie parallel to a front face of a panel, project rearwardly perpendicular to the front face and to lie outside of the panel parallel to the front face, the spring mounting arrangement enabling the spring to be maintained in the rearward orientation by a force developed by the spring with its arms confined and locator elements for registering the panel with grid members of the ceiling.