Ceiling Panel Mounting Bracket Alignment and Sealing
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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 ensure proper alignment and sealing through the use of flange and web portions, and adjustable locking features to secure the ceiling panels.
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 patent introduces an intermediary component (alignment mechanism with guide edges and positioning features) between the simple ceiling system and the panel edges to achieve precise alignment. This mediator enables cost-effective implementation while maintaining high alignment precision, resolving the contradiction between low cost and precise edge alignment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs adjustable positioning features and modular components that allow parameter changes in the connection system. By modifying the position and orientation parameters of connection elements, the system achieves precise panel alignment without requiring complex expensive structures, thus resolving the cost-precision contradiction.
2Ease of manufacture
If simple suspended ceiling systems are used, then cost is reduced, but control of panel level deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces level control mechanisms as intermediary components between the simple ceiling structure and the panels. These intermediaries include adjustable support elements and positioning features that enable precise level control while maintaining cost-effectiveness, resolving the contradiction between low cost and precise level control.
3Device complexity
If conventional ceiling systems are used, then simplicity is maintained, but air seal between grid and panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible sealing elements and gaskets as thin film components between the grid structure and ceiling panels. These flexible sealing elements conform to the interface geometry and create effective air seals without adding significant complexity to the overall simple ceiling system, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and air sealing performance.
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 provides improved alignment, level control, and air sealing, resulting in a more aesthetically pleasing and functional ceiling system with reduced light variation and air leakage.
Implementation Method 1
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 mounting bracket assembly for a ceiling panel, and a ceiling panel apparatus and ceiling system incorporating the same. The mounting bracket assembly may be coupled to the ceiling panel and comprise a mounting bracket and a torsion spring mounted to a hook member of the mounting bracket. A multi-purpose fastener is included that is alterable between: (A) a locked state in which the multi-purpose fastener: (i) extends through a multi-purpose aperture of the mounting bracket and fastens the mounting bracket to the ceiling panel; and (ii) prohibits the torsion spring from being removed from the hook member; and (B) an unlocked state in which the multi-purpose fastener does not obstruct the torsion spring from being removed from the mounting bracket.