False Ceiling Panel Retention via Removable Wedging Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in installing and retaining a panel, especially a luminous panel, between existing parallel profile members in a suspended false ceiling while ensuring it is removable and minimizing shadows on the canvas, as existing solutions like elastic retaining profile members are difficult to implement and result in unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes.
Innovation Solution
A false ceiling design featuring coplanar and parallel profile members with removable wedging means that hold the panel in place by gravity, preventing displacement and ensuring centered positioning, while maintaining a narrow bearing surface to minimize shadows, and a method for installing panels using these wedging means between the profile members.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If panels are permanently integrated into slabs with profile members fixed to existing rails, then structural stability is improved, but panel removability and installation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The retention system is segmented into separate components: the profile members remain fixed to the rails, while the wedging means are removable and can be independently applied to hold panels. This allows the panel to be securely retained during use but easily removed by taking out the wedging means, resolving the contradiction between stability and ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedging means are pre-positioned on the profile members before panel installation. This preliminary placement creates ready-to-receive retention points that automatically engage with the panel during insertion, simplifying the installation process while ensuring stable retention without requiring complex manual adjustment during installation.
2Reliability
If bearing surfaces are widened to ensure panel support, then panel retention reliability is improved, but shadow casting on canvas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The retention function is separated from the bearing surface: the narrow bearing surface on the profile member provides minimal shadow, while the removable wedging means provides the primary retention force. This segmentation allows the bearing surface to remain narrow for aesthetic purposes while the wedging means ensures reliable panel retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedging means act as an intermediary element that transfers and amplifies the retention force. Instead of relying on a large bearing surface area, the wedging means mechanically leverage the narrow bearing surface to create sufficient friction and normal force to securely hold the panel, eliminating the need for wide bearing surfaces that would cast shadows.
3Reliability
If elastic retaining profile members are used to hold panels, then panel retention is improved, but installation complexity and difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The complexity of elastic retaining mechanisms is extracted and replaced with simple rigid wedging means. The wedging means use basic geometric principles and friction rather than elastic deformation, significantly simplifying the device while maintaining reliable panel retention. The installation becomes a simple mechanical insertion and wedging action rather than requiring elastic arm compression.
4Reliability
If transverse compression force is applied to elastic arms for panel installation, then panel retention is improved, but installation ease and speed deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of applying compression force to retain the panel (as with elastic arms), the wedging means use expansion or leverage principles. The wedging means are inserted and create outward or upward force against the panel and profile member, securing the panel through mechanical advantage rather than compression. This inversion of the retention mechanism eliminates the need for difficult compression maneuvers and enables quick installation.
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
Enables quick, safe, and easy installation and removal of panels while minimizing shadows on the canvas, ensuring the panel's secure retention and maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance.
Implementation Method 1
the panels are held on the shoulders by simple gravity, while being prevented from falling due to improper handling of the latter or their displacement in relation to the profile members
Data Source
AI summary
A false ceiling comprising a bearing structure comprising at least two coplanar and mutually parallel opposite profile members fixed to a ceiling, the profile members between them defining an access opening providing access to the ceiling, each profile member comprising a shoulder defining a horizontal bearing surface facing towards the ceiling, at least one panel positioned between the profile members, the panel being dimensioned to rest on the bearing surface of the profile members, the false ceiling further comprising removable and attached wedging means for transversely wedging the panel between two opposite profile members, the wedging means being arranged on either side of the panel.