Drywall Clip With Hanger Hooks For Furring Channel Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing clips for mounting furring channels on drywall grid systems are inadequate in design, installation complexity, and operational effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A clip with hanger hooks and a base design that securely mounts on the load-bearing member of a drywall grid system, allowing easy installation and secure trapping of the furring channel, utilizing a pair of coplanar flanges and an elongated enlarged width section for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If prior art clips are used to mount furring channels on drywall grid systems, then mounting functionality is provided, but installation complexity increases and operational effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion that interfaces with the load bearing member, sidewalls that interface with the furring channel, and hanger hooks that provide suspension. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip incorporates self-aligning and self-adjusting features through its geometric design. The sidewalls and flanges are configured to automatically position themselves during installation, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures or additional adjustment mechanisms, thereby reducing installation complexity.
2Reliability
If prior art clips are used to mount furring channels, then mounting capability is achieved, but operational effectiveness is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
Different portions of the clip are designed with specific local qualities optimized for their function: the base has a geometry optimized for interfacing with the load bearing member's flanges, the sidewalls have shapes optimized for receiving the furring channel flanges, and the hanger hooks have configurations optimized for suspension. This localized optimization enhances operational effectiveness without requiring overall design complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The clip employs asymmetric geometry in its sidewalls and flange configurations to create directional fit and secure engagement. The asymmetric design ensures proper orientation during installation and provides reliable mechanical interlocking with the furring channel, improving operational effectiveness while maintaining design simplicity.
3Reliability
If a secure mounting solution is implemented, then attachment reliability improves, but installation ease decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The clip is pre-configured with sidewalls and flanges in specific geometric relationships that automatically engage with the furring channel and load bearing member during installation. This preliminary configuration ensures secure attachment is achieved through the inherent geometry rather than requiring post-installation adjustment or complex fastening procedures, maintaining both security and ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a clip and method of mounting a furring channel to a load bearing member of a drywall grid system. The load bearing member includes an elongated web having an enlarged upper portion and a lower portion from which a pair of coplanar flanges projecting outward. The clip includes a bottom wall and an end wall from which two hanger hooks project upward. Each hanger hook includes a folded over portion configured to snap-fit and entrap a portion of the enlarged upper portion of the load bearing member, with the bottom wall being disposed on one of flanges of the load bearing member. A second clip is mounted on the load bearing member in a similar manner so that its bottom wall is disposed on the other of the flanges of the load bearing member, and with the hanger hooks of the two clips being interposed. A respective furring channel is mounted on each of the clip to be supported thereby.