Felt Drop Ceiling Tiles for Tool-Free Acoustic Installation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drop ceiling systems require tools and additional hardware for installation, and they do not effectively create aesthetically pleasing undulating images while reducing unwanted noise.
Innovation Solution
A dynamic acoustic drop ceiling system using recycled polyester felt components with installation slots, allowing easy installation into backer panels and drop ceiling hangers without tools, creating an aesthetically pleasing undulating image and reducing noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional drop ceiling systems are installed using supports, attachment hardware and clips, then the structure can be suspended to the drop ceiling, but tools and additional hardware are required for installation
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling component integrates the suspension function directly into the component itself through built-in engagement features that connect to the grid system, eliminating the need for separate supports, attachment hardware, and clips. This merging of functions allows the ceiling component to be suspended directly without additional hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts and removes the separate attachment hardware (supports, clips, and fasteners) from the installation system, retaining only the essential ceiling component that has integrated engagement features. This extraction simplifies the installation process by eliminating unnecessary intermediate elements.
2Productivity
If traditional drop ceiling systems use multiple hardware components, then structural support is achieved, but the installation process requires tools and becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system is segmented into modular components that can be independently assembled and then quickly installed as complete units. The ceiling components are pre-assembled with integrated engagement features, allowing them to be installed as ready-made modules rather than being assembled piece-by-piece during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling components are prepared in advance with built-in engagement features and attachment points that are pre-configured for direct connection to the grid system. This preliminary preparation of the components eliminates the need for on-site assembly and reduces installation time significantly.
3Shape
If flat ceiling tiles are installed, then coverage is achieved, but aesthetically pleasing undulating images cannot be created
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling components are designed with dynamic, three-dimensional shapes that create undulating visual effects when installed. The components feature varying depths, curves, and contours that allow them to reflect and refract light dynamically, creating visually interesting patterns and images rather than flat, static surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling components incorporate curved surfaces, domes, and undulating forms that create aesthetically pleasing visual patterns. The use of spherical and curved geometries allows light to reflect in multiple directions, creating dynamic visual effects and eliminating the monotony of flat surfaces.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling system comprising a plurality of ceiling tiles each comprising a felt backer panel and a plurality of felt ceiling components mounted to the felt backer panel. The plurality of felt ceiling components arranged parallel to one another along a bottom surface of the felt backer panel. The plurality of ceiling tiles mounted to a ceiling hanger system so that each of the plurality of ceiling tiles encloses one of a plurality of grid openings.