Suspended Ceiling Panel Registration for Fastener-Free Grid Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems face challenges in aligning and mounting ceiling panels efficiently to the support grid without the need for fasteners, leading to cumbersome installation processes and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system utilizing torsion springs and snap-locking spring clips that attach to the grid support members, allowing for easy alignment and secure mounting of ceiling panels without the use of fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fasteners are used to attach ceiling panels to the grid, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the fastener component from the traditional ceiling panel attachment system. Instead of using separate fasteners to secure panels to the grid, the invention integrates the attachment function directly into the panel itself through features like registration guides and engagement structures that allow direct mounting to the grid members, thereby eliminating fasteners and reducing installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple functions into the ceiling panel structure itself. The registration guides, alignment features, and attachment mechanisms are all integrated into the panel design, merging what were previously separate components (panel, fasteners, alignment guides) into a unified structure that achieves secure attachment without external fasteners
2Reliability
If fasteners are used for mounting ceiling panels, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By removing fasteners from the attachment system, the patent eliminates the time-consuming steps of fastener installation, removal, and adjustment. The panel can be directly mounted to the grid using integrated engagement features, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment through the panel's built-in mounting structures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates pre-configured registration guides and alignment features during panel manufacturing. These preliminary actions ensure that panels are pre-prepared for quick installation on the grid without requiring on-site fastener installation or adjustment, allowing installers to simply engage the pre-configured attachment mechanisms
3Manufacturing precision
If alignment features are added to ceiling panels, then mounting precision is improved, but panel complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies alignment and registration features only at specific locations on the panel where they are most effective - typically at corners or edges where engagement with the grid occurs. Rather than making the entire panel complex, the registration guides and alignment markings are concentrated at these local points, providing sufficient precision for accurate mounting without complicating the overall panel design
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 facilitates a more convenient and cost-effective installation process by eliminating the need for fasteners, ensuring panels are aligned and securely attached to the grid, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and efficient installation.
Implementation Method 1
A ceiling system utilizing torsion springs and snap-locking spring clips that attach to the grid support members
Implementation Method 2
spring clips configured to snap-lock onto the grid support members for coupling the torsion springs and attached panels to the grid support members
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling system is disclosed that comprises a grid frame and a ceiling panel. The grid frame comprises a first grid member and a second grid member. The ceiling panel comprises a top side, a bottom side, a first lateral edge, a second lateral edge, a corner defined between the first lateral edge and the second lateral edge, and a registration guide mounted to the top side comprising a first projection extending from a first side of the corner adjacent the first lateral edge and a second projection extending from a second side of the corner adjacent the second lateral edge, wherein the first projection comprises a first registration face adjacent the first lateral edge configured to engage the first grid member, and wherein the second projection comprises a second registration face adjacent the second lateral edge configured to engage the second grid member.