A rail for attaching a suspended ceiling system to a concrete ceiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of suspended ceilings on concrete ceilings is time-consuming and prone to inaccuracies due to the need for precise marking, drilling, and anchoring, which poses health and safety risks and requires cumbersome equipment like ladders.
Innovation Solution
A rail system with integrated attachment features, such as threaded holes, nuts, and recessed regions, allows direct nailing to the concrete ceiling, eliminating the need for pre-marking and anchoring, and enabling secure attachment of suspended ceiling systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If anchors are installed using the traditional process of marking, drilling, hammering, and expanding, then the suspended ceiling can be securely attached to the concrete ceiling, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The rail is pre-formed with integrated attachment features (threaded holes, nuts, or openings) during manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site marking, drilling, and anchor installation. The rail can be directly nailed to the concrete ceiling and immediately ready for suspended ceiling attachment, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention combines multiple functions into a single integrated rail component: the nailing surface for concrete attachment, the attachment features for suspended ceiling connection, and the structural support function. This merging eliminates the need for separate anchors and reduces the number of installation steps, improving productivity without compromising reliability.
2Reliability
If the traditional anchor installation process is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process requires accurate marking and positioning which is prone to inaccuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The rail's attachment features are pre-positioned during manufacturing with precise spacing and alignment. This eliminates the need for on-site marking and measurement, ensuring consistent positioning accuracy without requiring manual measurement skills or complex layout procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail serves as both the mounting structure and the positioning reference, combining the functions of anchor placement and structural support. The standardized attachment features on the rail provide universal compatibility while ensuring precise positioning through factory-prepared geometry.
3Ease of operation
If anchors are installed using ladders or platforms, then access to the ceiling is achieved, but the process becomes cumbersome and poses health and safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The rail system separates the attachment function from the support function, allowing the rail to be installed directly to the concrete ceiling without requiring intermediate anchors. This segmentation enables a simpler installation process that reduces the need for height equipment, improving ease of operation and reducing safety risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The rail is designed to be self-supporting when nailed to the concrete ceiling, eliminating the need for temporary support structures or complex positioning equipment. The integrated attachment features allow the rail to secure itself without requiring workers to operate at height with ladders or platforms.
4Reliability
If drilling into the concrete ceiling is performed, then anchors can be installed, but health and safety issues arise and the process becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment features are pre-prepared during rail manufacturing, eliminating the need for on-site drilling into the concrete ceiling. The rail can be directly nailed to the surface with pre-formed attachment points ready for suspended ceiling components, significantly improving convenience while maintaining attachment security.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the drilling operation from the installation process by incorporating pre-formed attachment features into the rail itself. This eliminates the harmful drilling activity while preserving the essential function of secure attachment through alternative nailing methods.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention provides a rail (1) for attaching a suspended ceiling system (18) to a concrete ceiling (16). The rail (1) comprises a nailing region (2a, 2b) that is attachable to the concrete ceiling (16) by a plurality of nails (17). The rail (1) also has an attachment feature (8) for attachment of a part (19) of the suspended ceiling system (18) to the rail (1).