Self-Locking False Ceiling Connection Article

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current connection articles for false ceiling support structures are not effective in securely fixing metal profiles, requiring numerous manual steps and potentially leading to safety issues due to incomplete locking.

Innovation Solution

A C- or U-shaped sheet metal body with lateral projections and finnings that straddle crossing metal profiles, locking the upper profile between the top wall and lower profile, preventing vertical movement and allowing for adjustable pitch in the grid configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If known connection articles are used to fix metal profiles, then the profiles can be connected, but the fixing is not sufficiently effective and requires many manual steps

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixing effectivenessVSAvoidmanual steps required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connection article features self-locking projections that automatically engage with the metal profiles when the article is placed over them. The elastic side walls deflect during insertion and then lock into position without requiring additional manual operations, making the connection article self-servicing in achieving secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces manual fastening operations with a mechanical locking system. The elastic side walls with projections create an automatic mechanical interlock with the profiles, substituting the need for manual screwing, clipping, or other hand-operated fastening steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If known connection articles are used, then profiles can be connected, but safety is compromised due to incomplete locking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety of connectionVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection article automatically ensures complete locking through its self-locking projections that engage with the profiles. This self-service mechanism guarantees safety without requiring inspection or additional manual steps, enabling fast assembly with confidence in the connection integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic side walls are pre-configured with projections positioned to automatically engage with the profiles upon insertion. This preliminary arrangement of locking elements ensures that safety-critical locking action occurs automatically during the insertion process itself, before the assembly operation completes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If a secure locking mechanism is implemented, then profile fixation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprofile lockingVSAvoidconnection article structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connection article utilizes elastic side walls made of flexible sheet material that can deflect during insertion and then spring back to lock the profiles. This flexible shell approach achieves secure locking without rigid, complex mechanical components, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliable profile fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

4Productivity

If manual fixing steps are required, then connection can be achieved, but assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly speedVSAvoidmanual intervention required

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention replaces manual fixing operations with an automatic mechanical locking system. The elastic side walls with projections create instant mechanical interlock with the profiles upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual fastening steps and dramatically increasing assembly speed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection article performs the entire locking function automatically through its self-locking design. The elastic side walls deflect during insertion and then automatically lock into position, making the connection article self-servicing and eliminating all manual intervention requirements for achieving secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a stable and quick assembly of false ceiling support structures, minimizing the risk of on-site vibrations and deformations by ensuring secure engagement of metal profiles, facilitating easy adjustment and maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the lower metal profile is slightly spread apart elastically during insertion, so that after an elastic return the lateral sides of the lower metal profile cooperate with the projections of the connection article

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2551419B1A connection article for a support frame of a false ceiling and method of installation

Publication Date: 2021.01.27 CIPRIANI GIUSEPPE

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AI summary

The present disclosure relates to a connection article (1) suitable for connecting a pair of metal profiles (2a, 2b) overlapped cross-like. The connection article (1) includes a sheet metal body (10) having a pair of opposed side walls (12), and a top wall (11) interposed between the side walls (12) to define a housing (A). Each of the side walls (12) defines with the top wall (11) a first bend (P1), and wherein each side wall (12) includes, from the first bend (P1), a central portion (12a) and an end portion (13). The end portion (13) has a lateral extension greater than the central portion (12a) and, sideways, defines coupling projections (17).