Ceiling Panel Mounting Bracket with Resilient Bias
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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 provide vertical and horizontal registration and locking features to ensure precise panel alignment and sealing.
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 registration features as intermediary elements between the ceiling panel and the support grid. These features include protrusions and recesses that mechanically engage to precisely align panel edges with grid intersections, and level control features that ensure consistent panel height. The resilient element acts as a mediator that maintains continuous contact between the mounting bracket and the support grid, providing both alignment and level control while remaining cost-effective.
2Ease of operation
If simple suspended ceiling systems are used, then installation is simplified, but air seal between support grid and ceiling panels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a resilient element (spring) that provides both mechanical attachment and sealing functionality. This flexible element maintains continuous contact between the mounting bracket and the support grid, creating an effective air seal that prevents leakage while allowing for thermal expansion and manufacturing tolerances. The sealing action is achieved through the elastic deformation of the resilient element rather than rigid contact.
3Device complexity
If conventional mounting methods are used, then device complexity is reduced, but alignment and sealing performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into the mounting bracket assembly: alignment through registration features, level control through dedicated level control features, and sealing through the resilient element. By combining these functions into a single integrated assembly rather than separate components, the design achieves precise alignment and sealing without significantly increasing overall device complexity. The mounting bracket serves as a multi-functional element that addresses all three requirements simultaneously.
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 ensures straight alignment of ceiling panels, maintains consistent panel levels, and provides an effective air seal, enhancing the appearance and functionality of suspended ceiling systems.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient element is detachably coupled to the saddle bracket. 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 ceiling system comprising: a grid support comprising a plurality of struts, each of the struts comprising a flange portion and a web portion, the flange portion having an upper surface and a lower surface. A ceiling panel is mounted to the grid support by a plurality of connection assemblies. The connection assemblies comprise a mounting bracket assembly, a resilient element coupled to the mounting bracket, and a saddle bracket. The saddle bracket is coupled to one of the struts. The resilient element detachably couples to the saddle bracket and biases a mounting bracket so that there is vertical and horizontal registration between the ceiling panel and the grid support.