Ceiling Suspension Clip Stabilizing Wing Perpendicularity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling tile suspension systems face challenges in maintaining the stability and perpendicularity of upper and lower supports, especially with taller and longer profiles, which can lead to instability and potential tile displacement.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of stabilizing wings on the mounting clip that extend perpendicularly from the clip plates to press against the upper support, ensuring the upper and lower supports remain mutually perpendicular, thereby minimizing deviations and enhancing stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If stabilizing wings are added to the mounting clip, then stability and perpendicularity of supports are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of upper and lower supportsVSAvoidcomplexity of mounting clip
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting clip is divided into functional segments: the main body that attaches to the upper support, and stabilizing wings that extend perpendicularly to contact the lower support. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, improving overall stability without requiring a complete redesign of the entire clip structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Stabilizing wings extend in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of the mounting clip plates, adding a third dimensional element to the otherwise planar clip structure. This perpendicular extension provides additional contact points with the lower support, preventing rotation and maintaining perpendicularity between upper and lower supports.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Manufacturing precision

If stabilizing wings extend perpendicularly from the mounting clip, then perpendicularity of supports is maintained, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperpendicularity of upper and lower supportsVSAvoidease of manufacturing mounting clip
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilizing wings are designed with specific geometric parameters: they extend a controlled distance from the mounting clip plates and are positioned at predetermined locations. By optimizing these parameters, the wings provide sufficient stabilization while remaining compatible with standard manufacturing processes for metal clips.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

Rather than making the entire mounting clip more complex, the stabilizing wings are added as localized features at specific positions on the clip plates. This local addition provides the necessary perpendicularity control only where needed, without increasing complexity throughout the entire component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3122952B1Ceiling suspension system
Publication Date: 2022.08.10 ROCKWOOL AS
  • EP3122952B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP3122952B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP3122952B1 patent drawingFigure 3a

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 upper and lower supports each having a substantially vertical web, the upper support having an under-surface, wherein the mounting clip has the form of two plates each of said plates has 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, wherein the mounting clip is provided with at least one stabilizing wing that extends from one of said plates of the mounting clip in a direction substantially perpendicular to the plane of said plate, such that the upper and lower supports are stabilized in perpendicular formation by said at least one stabilizing wing. It also relates to a method for mounting a grid for a suspended ceiling and a mounting clip for use in the system and method.