Connection Clip With Deep Engagement Lips For Ceiling Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional attachment systems for connecting panels to support grids are difficult to repeatedly install and uninstall, often resulting in damage to the grid and a weak connection due to a small contact area between the clip and the grid.
Innovation Solution
A connection clip with a body having a base and upward arms forming a cavity to receive a structural cross member, featuring engagement lips that span a substantial majority of the clip's depth to securely grip grid flanges, allowing for easy installation and uninstallation by manipulating the lips to release the panel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing clips are used to connect panels to support grids, then installation is simplified, but the contact area between the clip and grid is very small resulting in weak connection strength
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement lips extend along the depth dimension of the clip, transforming a point or line contact into a distributed line contact along the depth axis. This dimensional extension of the contact interface significantly increases the effective contact area between the clip and grid flange, thereby strengthening the connection while preserving the simple clip-on installation method
2Strength
If mechanical fasteners such as screws are used to attach panels to the supporting grid, then strong attachment is achieved, but repeated installation and uninstallation damage the supporting grid
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into a permanent support grid and a removable connection clip assembly. The clip acts as an intermediary component that can be repeatedly installed and removed without affecting the grid structure. This segmentation allows the grid to remain intact while enabling repeated panel changes through simple clip manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
The connection clip serves as an intermediary component between the panel and the support grid. It provides the mechanical attachment function while being designed for repeated installation and removal. The clip's engagement lips grip the grid flanges without requiring penetration or permanent modification to the grid, thus protecting the grid from damage during repeated operations
3Ease of operation
If existing clips with small contact area are used, then installation is simple, but the connection may disconnect unexpectedly due to insufficient strength
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement lips extend along the depth dimension of the clip, transforming a point or line contact into a distributed line contact along the depth axis. This dimensional extension of the contact interface significantly increases the effective contact area between the clip and grid flange, thereby strengthening the connection while preserving the simple clip-on installation method
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement lips are pre-formed with the appropriate geometry and surface characteristics to ensure optimal engagement with the grid flanges. This preliminary design of the contact surfaces ensures that when the clip is installed, the connection immediately achieves maximum strength and reliability without requiring additional adjustment or modification
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates generally to a connection clip for securing a panel to a support grid, for example, suitable for securing a wood grille panel to a ceiling grid. The present disclosure relates more particularly to a connection clip including a body having a base with a width extending between opposing first and second lateral edges and first and second arms extending upward respectively from the first and second lateral edges of the base so as to form a cavity configured to receive a structural cross member of the panel. Engagement lips extend laterally inward from an upper end of each arm and are configured to grip respective first and second flanges of a grid member of the support grid so as to secure the panel to the grid member. Each of the first and second engagement lips span a substantial majority of the depth of the connection clip.