Suspended Ceiling Rail Bracket Assembly Without Rail Disassembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting brackets for inverted T-shaped rails in suspended ceilings are difficult to attach, require multiple components, and are expensive, necessitating disassembly of the ceiling system and additional inventory.

Innovation Solution

A mounting bracket assembly comprising identical, elongated bracket members with specific flange and web configurations, allowing secure attachment to the rail without disassembly, using slots and grooves for alignment and engagement, eliminating the need for tools or additional parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If prior art mounting brackets are used, then objects can be hung from the suspended ceiling, but the brackets are difficult to attach and require disassembly of the ceiling system

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveEase of attachmentVSAvoidComplexity of attachment process

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting bracket is divided into two separate members: a ceiling bracket member that attaches to the rail, and a support bracket member that provides the hanging function. This segmentation allows each member to be optimized for its specific function and simplifies the attachment process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support bracket member is designed to be received within the ceiling bracket member, creating a nested configuration. The support bracket member fits into the recessed portion of the ceiling bracket member, allowing for easy assembly without tools or disassembly of the ceiling system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If prior art mounting brackets are used, then mounting functionality is provided, but multiple different bracket members are required increasing inventory requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveMounting functionalityVSAvoidNumber of bracket members

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling bracket member is designed with universal features that allow it to work with both identical ceiling bracket members and mirrored ceiling bracket members. The recessed portion and flange configuration enable the same ceiling bracket member to be used in different orientations and positions, reducing the need for multiple different bracket types in inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If prior art mounting brackets are used, then ceiling support is provided, but the brackets are rather expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCeiling support capabilityVSAvoidManufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling bracket member and support bracket member are designed to be manufactured as single-piece components, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, screws, or additional parts. The integrated design reduces manufacturing steps and assembly requirements, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining structural integrity and ceiling support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11408171B1Mounting bracket assembly for attachment to a suspended ceiling

Publication Date: 2022.08.09 OMAHA CUSTOM MFG

AI summary

A mounting bracket assembly for attachment to a horizontally disposed rail of a suspended ceiling system is provided which includes identical first and second mounting bracket members. The mounting bracket assembly of this invention is designed to be attached to the flanges of the rail and attached to one another so as to be able to support an article or object therefrom and the suspended ceiling system.