Ceiling Panel Mounting Bracket With Sliding Locking Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling panel support systems lack ease of installation, flexibility in positioning, and security when installed, particularly for felt baffles and other types of ceiling panels.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling panel support system comprising a ceiling panel with an elongate support channel and a mounting bracket that includes a holding part housed behind the inwardly facing surfaces of the channel's lips, along with a securing member that engages between the support channel and the mounting bracket to secure it frictionally.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mounting bracket with holding part is used to suspend ceiling panels, then the panel can be freely positioned along the elongate extent, but the bracket lacks secure fixation and may shift during use
Solution Approach 1:
A securing member is introduced as an intermediary element between the mounting bracket and the ceiling panel. This securing member includes a base surface that engages with the support portion of the panel and a top surface that engages with the lower surfaces of the mounting bracket, providing positive mechanical interlocking that prevents bracket shift while preserving positioning freedom
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces friction-based retention alone with a combination of frictional engagement and mechanical interlocking through the securing member. The securing member creates a wedge-shaped mechanical lock between the bracket and panel, substituting the insufficient friction-only system with a more reliable mechanical retention system
2Reliability
If traditional support systems are used for ceiling panels, then installation requires complex fixtures and tools, but the system lacks ease of installation and repositioning capability
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into distinct functional components: the mounting bracket with holding part, the securing member with base and top surfaces, and the support portion with lips. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled through simple sequential steps without requiring complex fixtures or tools
Solution Approach 2:
The securing member is designed to be self-installing between the support portion and mounting bracket without requiring external tools. The wedge-shaped geometry allows the securing member to self-lock into position through simple insertion and pressing, enabling tool-free installation and repositioning operations
3Ease of operation
If the holding part is freely slidable along the support channel, then repositioning is easy, but the panel lacks stable fixation at the desired position
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static fixed-position support to a dynamic system where the mounting bracket can slide freely during installation for easy repositioning, then locks into a stable fixed position when the securing member is engaged. The securing member acts as a dynamic element that converts the movable bracket into a stable, fixed installation
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 allows for easy installation and flexible positioning of ceiling panels while providing security through the frictional engagement of the securing member, enabling the panels to be repositioned without tools.
Implementation Method 1
the securing member is configured to be inserted between the support portion and the lower surfaces of the main body of the mounting bracket. In use, the holding part is thus pressed against the inwardly facing surfaces of the opening lips. In this way, the securing member secures the mounting bracket frictionally along the elongate extent of the panel.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling panel support system includes a ceiling panel and a mounting bracket. The ceiling panel has an upper part including an elongate support portion, with the support portion having an elongate support channel including a pair of opposing lips defining an elongate opening into the elongate support channel. The mounting bracket has a main body, a holding part configured to be housed within the elongate support channel behind inwardly facing surfaces of the opposing lips, and a leg configured to extend from the main body to the holding part between the opposing lips. The main body includes lower surfaces on either side of the leg configured to face the support portion. The system further includes a securing member that presses the holding part against the inwardly facing surfaces of the opening lips and secures the mounting bracket frictionally along the elongate extent of the panel.