Clip Protrusion Slope Design for Predictable Panel Grid Demounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support systems for ceiling or wall panels risk deformation when attempting to dismantle T-shaped profiles from clips, leading to unpredictable demounting and potential weight-induced spontaneous demounting, which complicates panel reorganization and changes.
Innovation Solution
The support system features clips with inwardly protruding flanges having a first portion with a receiving slope of less than 45° and a second portion with an oppositely sloping surface of at least 45°, facilitating secure insertion and retention of the T-shaped profile bulb, allowing for predictable demounting and improved panel positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the T-shaped profile is firmly retained in the clip to prevent spontaneous demounting under weight, then the holding force is sufficient, but the profile cannot be easily demounted for reorganization
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is divided into two distinct portions: a first portion with a receiving slope for insertion and a second portion with an oppositely sloping surface for retention. This segmentation allows the same structure to facilitate both easy insertion and secure retention without requiring separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The second portion of the protrusion has an oppositely sloping surface compared to the first portion. This inverted slope configuration creates a mechanical lock that prevents spontaneous demounting while allowing controlled removal when needed, effectively inverting the insertion mechanism to create retention.
2Ease of manufacture
If the clip structure is simplified for easier manufacturing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the precision of panel positioning may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion features are concentrated on specific local areas of the flange rather than requiring precision throughout the entire clip structure. The angled surfaces are localized to the protrusion portions, allowing simple manufacturing of the rest of the clip while achieving precise positioning through these localized geometric features.
3Reliability
If the receiving slope angle is reduced to less than 45° for better retention, then the holding force is improved, but the insertion difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusion is segmented into two portions with different slope characteristics. The first portion has a shallower receiving slope (less than 45°) that facilitates easy insertion, while the second portion has a steeper oppositely sloping surface (at least 30°, preferably at least 45°) that provides strong retention. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention concerns a support system for mounting a suspending a panel grid in ceiling or wall support structure, said system comprising a plurality of panel retaining profiles each having an inverted T-shaped cross-section with a pair of laterally extending support flanges for supporting and retaining wall or ceiling panels, and an upwardly directed leg having a bulb portion at its distal end; and a plurality of clips with mounting means for fixing the clips to a support structure and receiving means for receiving and retaining the bulb portion of the leg of a panel retaining profile, wherein each clip is provided with a base portion which is provided with the mounting means and two substantially parallel flanges on each side of said base portion, said flanges having inwardly protrusions pointing towards each other for receiving the bulb portion of a T-shaped profile. Such mounting system is found advantageous since the holding force is more accurately predictable and that demounting of the T-profile from the clips is still possible but in a predictable manner as canting or otherwise twisting the profile in the clip during demounting is eliminated.