Ceiling System Push-Fit Carrier Stabilization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling systems face challenges in achieving a good quality finish and ease of installation, particularly due to the visibility of supporting structures and potential distortion of flexible ceiling panels caused by relative movement of elongate carriers.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system design utilizing elongate carriers supported by suspension hangers, with elongate beams connected by brackets via push-fit connections, such as snap-fit or friction-fit, to stabilize the carriers and panels, allowing for tool-free installation and improved stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If elongate carriers are used to support ceiling panels, then the number of connections to the structure is reduced, but the stability of the carriers relative to each other deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple elongate carriers into a single integrated unit by connecting them together laterally. This merging approach maintains the reduction in structural connections while internally stabilizing the carriers relative to each other through direct carrier-to-carrier connections, resolving the contradiction between reduced complexity and maintained stability.
2Ease of operation
If flexible ceiling panels are used, then ease of installation is improved, but distortion occurs due to carrier movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-stiffening the elongate carriers through their interconnection before the flexible ceiling panels are installed. This preventive measure counteracts the potential distortion that would occur during installation and use, allowing the flexible panels to be easily installed without subsequent distortion, thus resolving the contradiction between installation ease and panel flatness.
3Productivity
If tool-free push-fit connections are used, then installation speed is improved, but connection strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs curved or tapered connection surfaces in the push-fit joints between elongate carriers. These curved geometries create friction-based mechanical interlocking that provides sufficient connection strength while maintaining the tool-free installation advantage. The curved surfaces allow for easy insertion through elastic deformation while preventing withdrawal through friction, resolving the contradiction between installation speed and connection strength.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
A ceiling system, comprising at least two elongate carriers, configured to support at least one ceiling panel; at least one elongate beam; and at least two connecting brackets; wherein each elongate carrier is supported at one or more suspension locations; each elongate beam is coupled to at least two elongate carriers by a respective connecting bracket; and the connecting brackets are coupled to the elongate carriers by a push-fit connection.