Suspended Ceiling Stabilizer Bars for Adjustable Grid Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suspended ceiling systems lack the ability to customize the grid runner spacing and appearance beyond the standard rectangular grid pattern, limiting variation in the finished ceiling design.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a unique grid stabilizer bar with adjustable cutouts and grid trim members allows for variable grid runner spacing and the addition of parallel feature trim strips, providing a distinctive linear look without the need for separate fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If standard rectangular grid pattern is used, then economical production and installation is achieved, but design variation and customization are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces separate stabilizer bars and trim members as distinct components that can be selectively applied to grid runners. This segmentation allows the basic rectangular grid to remain simple for economical production, while optional stabilizer bars and trim members provide design variation when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer bars and trim members are applied locally to specific grid runners rather than requiring the entire ceiling system to be customized. This allows selective customization of certain areas while maintaining the standard economical grid pattern in other areas, balancing production economy with design flexibility.
2Ease of manufacture
If grid runner spacing is fixed at standard dimensions, then economical production is maintained, but spacing customization is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer bars are designed with adjustable features that allow the spacing between grid runners to be dynamically modified. The stabilizer bars can be positioned at different intervals and can accommodate non-standard spacing requirements, enabling customization while maintaining the overall grid structure.
3Ease of operation
If conventional grid tees are used, then simple assembly is achieved, but appearance customization is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The invention combines the conventional grid tee assembly with additional stabilizer bars and trim members. The trim members are integrated with the grid runners to provide distinctive linear appearances, while the stabilizer bars are combined with the grid system to enable spacing variation. This merging maintains the simplicity of conventional assembly while adding appearance customization capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended ceiling comprising a pair of parallel main grid tees, the tees being of the type having its panel supporting flange forming a hollow with a downwardly open slot, a plurality of identical stabilizer bars spacing said main grid tees a predetermined distance, trim strips assembled on said main grid tees, the trim strips each having a first portion hooked into the hollow flange of a respective tee and a second portion abutting a web of the respective tee, the stabilizer bars being arranged to engage opposite sides of reinforcing bulbs of the main grid tees to hold the same against relative lateral horizontal movement from their desired positions, the stabilizer bars engaging the trim strips in a manner that holds their second portions in abutment with the webs of their respective tees. The stabilizer bars are formed of sheet metal and have bendable tabs that can be bent to hold said trim strip second portions in contact with the webs of their respective tees. The trim strips have a G-shaped profile that is adapted to receive portions of cross tee connectors assembled through slots in the webs of the main grid tees.