Linear Ceiling Panel Mounting With Flexible Flange Recess

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing linear ceiling panel mounting systems require adhesive or mechanical fastening means, such as screws, to attach the panels to the carriers, which can be aesthetically and functionally undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A linear ceiling panel mounting system featuring a carrier with recesses that accommodate a flexible, resilient flange on the panel, allowing the panel to be securely attached without adhesives or mechanical fasteners. The flange is thermoformable and non-woven fibrous, enabling it to bend and fit into the recess, then return to its original shape for secure retention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive or mechanical fastening means are used to attach the panel to the carrier, then the attachment strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fasteners or adhesive residue

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for adhesive or mechanical fastening means from the mounting system. The panel is retained on the carrier through the frictional engagement between the panel's weight and the recess structure, completely removing visible fasteners and adhesive residue while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a narrow neck portion is provided in the recess to retain the panel, then the security of retention is improved, but the ease of insertion deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of retentionVSAvoidease of insertion
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The recess is designed with varying parameters along its length: a narrow neck portion (distance d1) for secure retention and a wider main portion (distance d2) for easy insertion. The dimensional parameters transition from constrained (d1 < 9mm) to expanded (d2 > 9mm), allowing the panel to be easily inserted while securely retained.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the recess has a narrow neck portion for secure retention, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for precise dimensional control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidrecess structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The recess structure implements local quality by providing different dimensional characteristics at different locations: the neck portion has a narrow width (d1) for secure retention while the main portion has a wider width (d2) for ease of insertion. This localized differentiation of structural properties achieves reliable mounting without excessive overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 system provides a secure, adhesive-free, and mechanically fastener-free method for mounting linear ceiling panels, enhancing aesthetic appeal and simplifying installation while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the flexible, resilient flange is configured to be bent towards an adjacent part of the panel to permit insertion of the flange and adjacent part of the panel into the recess of the carrier, and the flexible, resilient flange is configured to return to its original configuration once it is has been inserted past the neck portion of the recess

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the flexible resilient flange of the linear ceiling panel is formed from a thermoformable, non-woven fibrous material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermoforming: Heat Treatment

Data Source

PatentEP4095333B1A linear ceiling panel mounting system
Publication Date: 2025.04.16 HUNTER DOUGLAS IND BV
  • EP4095333B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4095333B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP4095333B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4c

AI summary

A linear ceiling panel mounting system comprising at least one carrier for mounting linear panels on a ceiling, the carrier extending in a longitudinal direction and having at least one recess formed therein, the recess being for receiving a linear ceiling panel, the recess having a neck portion and a main portion, the linear ceiling panel mounting system further comprising a linear ceiling panel having a flexible, resilient flange which extends along the whole or part of an edge of the panel, the flange being configured to slot into the recess of the carrier and be retained therein to thereby attach the linear ceiling panel to the carrier, wherein the flexible, resilient flange is configured to be bent towards an adjacent part of the panel to permit insertion of the flange and adjacent part of the panel into the recess of the carrier, and the flexible, resilient flange is configured to return to its original configuration once it is has been inserted past the neck portion of the recess into the main portion of the recess and is no longer constrained by the neck portion of the recess. A method of mounting a linear ceiling panel in a carrier is also provided.