Cornice Rail Elastic Deformation Gap Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing false ceiling and wall systems with stretched flexible sheets face issues of visible gaps between the sheet and the supporting walls, which are aesthetically unpleasing and can lead to air passage and ventilation imbalances, especially in environments like old buildings with cornices.
Innovation Solution
A fixing device comprising a heddle with a longitudinal groove and an elastically deformable cornice that can be inserted into the groove, allowing for quick integration of a cornice at the interface between walls and ceilings, hiding the gap and enabling various cornice shapes for aesthetic flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stretched flexible sheet is fixed to the frame using peripheral hooks inserted into rails, then the sheet can be tensioned flat on the frame, but a visible residual space or hollow joint forms between the stretched surface and the supporting walls
Solution Approach 1:
A cornice element is introduced as an intermediary component between the stretched sheet assembly and the wall. This cornice receives the stretched sheet and simultaneously provides a decorative profile that eliminates the visible hollow joint against the wall, thus mediating between the functional tensioning requirement and the aesthetic requirement for a flush appearance.
2Shape
If the residual space between the stretched sheet and wall is reduced to improve aesthetics, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but it becomes difficult to integrate into classic environments with cornices at the wall-ceiling interface
Solution Approach 1:
The cornice element is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a decorative architectural element compatible with classic styles, provides a mechanical receiver for the stretched sheet assembly, and creates a flush appearance against the wall. This multi-functionality allows it to adapt to both modern stretched ceiling systems and traditional architectural contexts.
3Shape
If a fixed cornice design is used to achieve a clean appearance, then aesthetics improve, but flexibility to accommodate different architectural styles and preferences is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The cornice system is segmented into separate modular components: a receiver portion that attaches to the stretched sheet assembly and a decorative profile portion that interfaces with the wall. This segmentation allows different decorative profiles to be selected and paired with the same functional receiver, enabling adaptation to various architectural styles while maintaining the clean appearance benefit.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The solution allows for rapid and aesthetically pleasing integration of cornices, reducing visible gaps and potential air passages, while accommodating different cornice designs to enhance the appearance and functionality of false ceilings and walls.
Implementation Method 1
one of the faces of which comprises at least one means of elastically deformable fixing intended to be inserted into said longitudinal groove in order to ensure the connection between said stringer and said cornice
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The device (1) has a rail (2) including a flange (3) having a support surface (4) to be fixed to a wall, and another flange (6) fixed to the former flange and including a hook (7) intended to cooperate with edges of a flexible sheet defining a boundary between an upper part and a lower part of the rail. The lower part includes a longitudinal groove (8) open to the outside of the rail, and a ledge (9) having a wing (10) whose one side (11) includes an elastically deformable fastening unit (12) for insertion into the longitudinal groove to ensure the connection between the rail and the ledge.