Ceiling panel mounting clip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling panel mounting solutions are either visible, require visible fasteners, or do not effectively restrain movement of ceiling panels in architectural applications, compromising aesthetics and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling panel mounting clip that interlocks with a second clip, hidden from view, to securely hold panels without fasteners, using a base and arm geometry with a lock tab to restrain lateral and downward movement, utilizing materials like galvanized or stainless steel and allowing for various configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If traditional mounting methods (brackets, visible fasteners) are used, then the ceiling panel can be mounted securely, but the mounting hardware becomes visible compromising aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the mounting function from visible hardware and relocates it to hidden clips positioned in the gap between the ceiling panel and ceiling structure. The clips are specifically designed to be concealed from below, removing the visual element while preserving the structural mounting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clip serves as an intermediary element positioned in the gap space between the ceiling panel and ceiling structure. It mediates the connection by engaging with both the panel and ceiling, transferring loads while remaining hidden, thus solving both aesthetic and functional requirements.
2Shape
If clips are hidden in the gap between panel and ceiling, then aesthetics are improved, but the clips must effectively restrain panel movement without visible fasteners
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is segmented into distinct functional elements: a body portion engaging the ceiling, an arm extending to contact the panel, and a lock tab for securing. This segmentation allows each element to perform its specific function while keeping the overall structure simple and manufacturable.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates dynamic elements including a resilient arm that can deflect to accommodate panel installation and a movable lock tab that transitions between engaged and disengaged positions. This dynamic behavior simplifies installation while ensuring secure mounting.
3Ease of manufacture
If the clip design uses simple geometry, then manufacturing is easier, but the clip may not effectively restrain lateral and downward movement of the panel
Solution Approach 1:
The clip features asymmetric geometry with the arm positioned at an angle to the base and the lock tab extending at a specific orientation. This asymmetric design provides effective movement restraint in multiple directions while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standard forming processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates curved surfaces and rounded transitions in its geometry, which simplify manufacturing by eliminating sharp corners and complex angles. These curved features also provide effective contact surfaces for restraining panel movement while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling panel mounting clip is interlocked with a second clip to mount a ceiling panel with the interlocked clips hidden from viewed from below the ceiling panel. The interlocked clips hold the ceiling panel without fasteners holding the clips together. The interlocked clips restrain movement of the ceiling panel in the lateral and downward directions. The ceiling panel mounting clip includes a base having a front end, a rear end, and lateral edges. An arm projects away from the base with the arm having a lower end, an upper end, and lateral edges. The arm defines an opening through one of its lateral edges with the arm having a lower edge, an upper edge, and a central edge that define the boundaries of the opening. A lock tab projects from an upper portion of the arm away from the opening.