Concrete Screw With Hanger Recess for Unified Ceiling Suspension

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current false ceiling installation technologies require two separate fixing systems for plasterboard and slab ceilings, leading to logistical complexities and increased error risks due to the need for different concrete screws and knock-in dowels, which can result in incorrect installations and additional holes in the ceiling.

Innovation Solution

A versatile concrete screw design that incorporates a single recess for cooperating with hanger hooks for slab ceilings and a threaded orifice for suspending plasterboard ceilings, allowing a single fixing system to be used for both types, featuring a transverse notch or opening for hanger engagement and a hexagonal external peripheral edge for tool-driven rotation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two separate fixing systems (concrete screw and knock-in dowel) are used for plasterboard and slab ceilings respectively, then each system can be optimized for its specific ceiling type, but logistical complexity increases and error risks increase due to having to manage and differentiate between two types of fastening systems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of fixing system types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The concrete screw is designed with dual functionality: it can be screwed directly into concrete for plasterboard ceiling suspension, and it can also receive knock-in dowels for slab ceiling suspension. The screw features a head with a recess for direct screwing and a threaded orifice for receiving dowels, allowing one fastening system to replace two separate systems while maintaining reliability for both ceiling types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of two separate fastening systems (concrete screw and knock-in dowel) into a single integrated concrete screw. The screw combines a self-tapping section for direct concrete engagement and a threaded orifice for dowel reception, thereby reducing the number of different fastening system types from two to one while eliminating logistical complexity and installation errors

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If workers use two different types of fastening systems, then they can install both plasterboard and slab false ceilings, but the risk of incorrect installation increases and additional holes may need to be made in the ceiling to correct errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveceiling type compatibilityVSAvoidinstallation error rate
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The concrete screw provides universal compatibility with both plasterboard and slab ceiling types through its dual-function design. The head with recess accommodates direct screwing for plasterboard ceilings, while the threaded orifice receives knock-in dowels for slab ceilings. This universality eliminates the need for workers to differentiate between two fastening system types, thereby reducing installation error rates while maintaining adaptability to both ceiling types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3751158B1Concrete screw for hanging a framework for a suspended ceiling
Publication Date: 2024.08.14 ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC
  • EP3751158B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3751158B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3751158B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Concrete screw (110) for the suspension of a framework for a false ceiling, this concrete screw having a general elongated shape along an axis (A) and comprising a first axial section (112) with external thread which is configured to be screwed directly into an opening formed in a concrete ceiling, and a second axial section (114) for driving the screw which is configured to be engaged with a tool in order to rotate and screw the screw into the opening, this second section having a thread configured to receive a threaded rod (120) for suspending the framework or a coupling element (116) for this threaded rod, characterized in that it comprises a transverse recess (121) which is configured to receive one end of a hanger (122) for suspending the framework.