Ceiling Suspension Clip Using Aperture Pass-Through
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling tile suspension systems are inefficient in terms of installation complexity, rigidity, and cost, particularly those requiring multiple types of runners and time-consuming screw-based fastening methods, and often lack stability and ease of tile replacement.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing upper and lower supports in the form of invert T-profiles with apertures and a unitary mounting clip composed of two plates, where the plates' protruding sections pass through the upper support apertures to securely affix the lower supports, allowing for easy installation and use of standard components, and optional stop clips for tile spacing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a screw-based fastening system is used to affix lower supports to upper supports, then the connection strength is improved, but the installation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is divided into two separate plates that can be independently positioned and secured through the aperture, allowing for faster installation while maintaining connection strength
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of passing fasteners through the support from one side, the mounting clip plates pass through the aperture with protruding sections that engage from both sides, reversing the traditional fastening approach to enable tool-free installation
2Stability of the object's composition
If multiple types of runners are used to maintain spacing and support tiles, then the grid stability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip is designed to perform multiple functions: it maintains spacing between upper and lower supports, affixes the lower support to the upper support, and provides a rigid connection point, eliminating the need for separate spacing components
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses uniform T-profiles for both upper and lower supports with consistent aperture spacing, creating a homogeneous structure that simplifies manufacturing and assembly while maintaining grid stability
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid grid system is constructed to prevent tile shifting, then the ceiling stability is improved, but the ease of tile replacement and installation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting clip allows for dynamic adjustment during installation by enabling the lower support to be positioned and secured sequentially, and facilitates easy removal by simply releasing the clip, providing flexibility despite grid rigidity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3a
Figure 3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a system for suspending ceiling tiles, comprising a plurality of substantially parallel upper supports, a plurality of substantially parallel lower supports which are substantially perpendicular to the upper supports and which cross the upper supports at crossing points, the upper supports having apertures and being suspended via suspending means, a mounting clip which affixes each lower support to an upper support at a crossing point, the lower supports each having a substantially vertical web, wherein the mounting clip has the form of two plates each having an upper section and a lower section and the upper section of each plate has a protruding section at one edge, and the two protruding sections each pass through an aperture in the upper support, whereby the lower sections of the two plates pass on opposite sides of the vertical web of the lower support and press against and grip the lower support as a result of the protruding sections being held within the aperture or apertures in the upper support. It also relates to a method for mounting ceiling tiles using this system, a novel mounting clip and a novel stop clip for use in the system and method.