Suspended Ceiling Vanes With Sliding Connectors for Uniform Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop ceiling systems with parallel vanes are difficult to install without damaging the ceiling panels and often lack a contemporary aesthetic, as they are challenging to mount uniformly and efficiently, and the vanes are typically contiguous with the struts, limiting design possibilities.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system where parallel vanes are suspended from parallel struts using connectors with a hanger assembly that allows sliding and fixable positioning along the strut length, using a vertical pivot rod to grip the strut, and spacers for uniform spacing, enabling the vanes to be positioned at a spaced location below the struts and pivotally angled for varied configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If parallel vanes are hung from struts in a conventional manner, then the ceiling system can be installed, but it is difficult to establish a uniform parallel relationship between the vanes and the installation process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is pre-assembled with the vane before installation, with the suspending assembly already attached to the vane and the hanger assembly ready to engage the strut. This preliminary preparation allows the entire vane-connector assembly to be installed as a single unit, establishing uniform parallel relationships quickly without time-consuming on-site adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves as an intermediary component between the strut and the vane, providing a standardized interface that ensures uniform spacing and parallel alignment. The connector's structured design with spacers and engagement features maintains consistent geometric relationships, allowing multiple vanes to be installed uniformly across the ceiling
2Ease of manufacture
If vanes are mounted contiguously with the underside of the struts, then the installation is simplified, but the aesthetic possibilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The suspending assembly allows the vane to be positioned at variable distances below the strut by adjusting the length of the suspending rod or cable. This dynamic positioning capability enables aesthetic configurations ranging from contiguous mounting to spaced mounting, providing versatility while maintaining installation simplicity through the standardized connector interface
Solution Approach 2:
The connector is divided into separate functional components: the hanger assembly that engages the strut, the suspending assembly that provides adjustable length, and the attachment mechanism that secures the vane. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each function, enabling both easy installation and aesthetic versatility
3Productivity
If connectors allow sliding and fixable positioning along the strut, then installation efficiency is improved, but the connector design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is segmented into a hanger assembly for strut engagement and a suspending assembly for vane support. The hanger assembly contains the sliding and locking mechanisms, while the suspending assembly provides the connection to the vane. This segmentation isolates the complexity to specific sub-components, allowing the overall connector to achieve high installation efficiency through modular design
Data Source
AI summary
A suspended ceiling system for a building structure includes a plurality of parallel struts for supporting a plurality of parallel vanes suspended from the struts in perpendicular relationship thereto. The vanes can be suspended in downwardly spaced relationship to the struts or in contiguous relationship therewith and occur in different forms including illuminated vanes, adjustable vanes and the like.