Ceiling Cross Runner Heat Expansion Nose Section

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling frames with heat expansion nose sections are prone to fluctuating expansion behavior, are difficult and expensive to produce, and pose risks during mounting due to sharp edges and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling frame design with a cross runner featuring a heat expansion nose section that is integral to the cross runner, with a cut extending partially in the longitudinal direction and an impression that allows for stable and predictable expansion, reducing production costs and user risk during mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a heat expansion nose section is provided in the ceiling frame, then the heat retardant properties are improved and expansion is permitted, but the expansion behavior fluctuates considerably and the cross runner becomes difficult and expensive to produce

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat retardant propertiesVSAvoidproduction cost and complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The nose section is divided into a first part and a second part by a cut, allowing independent deformation of each part during heat expansion. This segmentation enables controlled expansion behavior while simplifying the manufacturing process compared to fully separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An impression is provided in the nose section at the intended folding line location before heat expansion occurs. This preliminary action creates a predetermined deformation path that ensures consistent expansion behavior and eliminates the need for complex real-time control during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If a second cut-out is provided in the top face of the hollow profile at the folding line location, then the nose section can fold sideways, but sharp edges are created that pose risks to mechanics during mounting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefolding capabilityVSAvoidsharp edges causing injury risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

An impression is provided in the nose section at the intended folding line location before assembly. This preliminary action creates a predetermined deformation path that ensures consistent expansion behavior and eliminates the need for complex real-time control during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If downward pressure is applied on the nose section during mounting to connect runners, then coupling is achieved, but the nose section may be accidentally bent in an undesired direction or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling capabilityVSAvoidnose section integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

An impression is provided in the nose section at the intended folding line location before heat expansion occurs. This preliminary action creates a predetermined deformation path that ensures consistent expansion behavior and eliminates the need for complex real-time control during manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design provides a stable and strong nose section that can be easily bent and reused, absorbing expansion forces without excessive deformation, ensuring reliable performance under heat and reducing the risk of damage or injury during installation.

Implementation Method 1

A folding line is provided around which the nose section is able to fold sideways, that is to say fold along a vertical axis

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFolding: Folding

Implementation Method 2

The heat expansion nose section permits expansion of the ceiling frame in the case of for example heat and/or fire

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP2085531B1Cross runner for use in a ceiling frame with a locally impressed nose section
Publication Date: 2015.03.18 SAINT GOBAIN ACOUSTICAL PRODS INT
  • EP2085531B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2085531B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C
  • EP2085531B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A ceiling frame for holding ceiling panels, comprising a plurality of main runners, at least one cross runner 2 having a longitudinal direction and coupling means 7 for coupling the main runners with each other, in which the cross runner 2 comprises an upright longitudinally extending web 3 having flanges 4 extending in opposite sideways directions at its lower end for supporting edges of ceiling panels upon, and having a longitudinally extending hollow profile 6 at its upper end for providing strength. The cross runner 2 further comprises a heat expansion nose section 10 provided on at least one of its free end parts, in which the heat expansion nose section 10 forms an integral part of the cross runner 2 in that it comprises a free end part 11 of the hollow profile 6 which is separate from at least a lower part of the web 3 by a cut 12 which is at least partially 12a extending in the longitudinal direction up till an intended folding line 25 such that the nose section 10 is able to fold around the folding line 25. An impression 21 is provided in the free end part of the hollow profile 6. The impression 21 extends over at least a lower part 20 of the hollow profile 6. The cut 12 also extends partially 12b upwards through the lower part 20 of the hollow profile 6. The upwardly extending part 12b of the cut 12 runs through the impression 21, and an upper part 23 of the hollow profile 6 which lies substantially in line with the upwardly extending part 12b of the cut forms the folding line 25.