Fixation Panel for Suspended Ceiling Partition Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling structures face difficulties in securely attaching partition walls at any desired position without visible gaps or restrictions, as conventional methods require removing the ceiling or using visible mounting holes, and the ceiling panels often lack the necessary strength or rigidity for secure fastening.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of fixation panels, made from thin plate material with elastically deformable flanges, which can be secured to the supporting structure's runners and allow for flexible positioning of partition walls by snapping onto the runners, enabling easy mounting and demounting, and providing additional strength through ribs and suitable material selection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If ceiling panels rest on runners without other fixation means, then the suspended ceiling structure is simple and easy to install, but the ceiling panels cannot carry partition walls or heavy installations
Solution Approach 1:
A fixation panel is introduced as an intermediary element between the ceiling panel and the partition wall. The fixation panel is secured to the runner and provides a rigid mounting surface for the partition wall, while the ceiling panel continues to rest on the runner for suspension purposes. This mediator resolves the contradiction by providing the necessary strength without complicating the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting function is segmented from the ceiling panel itself. Instead of requiring the ceiling panel to directly support the partition wall, the system divides the support function into two separate components: the ceiling panel for suspension and the fixation panel for mounting. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Reliability
If brackets are mounted on the top edge of partition walls and connected to runners, then partition walls can be attached to the suspended ceiling, but wide gaps appear between adjacent ceiling panels and mounting holes are visible when partition walls are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation panel serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the runner and the partition wall mounting point. By securing the fixation panel to the runner and providing a mounting surface for the partition wall, it eliminates the need for visible brackets and mounting holes, maintaining the ceiling surface continuity while ensuring reliable attachment.
3Reliability
If special runners are adapted for receiving partition wall brackets, then partition walls can be positioned at runner locations, but the position of partition walls is restricted to exact runner positions and special runners are visible when no partition wall is erected
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation panel is designed as a universal component that can be positioned at any location on the ceiling panel, not restricted to runner positions. It provides a standardized mounting interface that works with regular ceiling panels and runners, enabling flexible positioning of partition walls while maintaining attachment security. The fixation panel itself becomes invisible when not in use, as it can be positioned to match ceiling panel edges.
4Ease of manufacture
If ceiling panels are made of soft material for easy installation, then installation is simple, but the material is too soft for fastening of partition walls
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation panel acts as a mediator that provides a rigid fastening surface for partition walls, while the ceiling panel can remain soft for easy installation. The fixation panel is secured to the runner and provides the necessary hardness and strength for screwing in partition walls, resolving the contradiction between soft material ease of installation and hard material fastening capability.
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
This solution allows for secure and flexible attachment of partition walls or other construction elements at any position under the ceiling, maintaining a continuous ceiling surface appearance and avoiding the need for visible mounting holes, while ensuring easy installation and removal without damaging the ceiling structure.
Implementation Method 1
a panel body (13) having opposed edges that are bent to form elastically deformable flanges (14) engaging runners (3) of the supporting structure (2)
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
The suspended ceiling structure (1) is connected to a construction element (7), such as a partition wall, and comprises a supporting structure (2) composed by runners (3) and a number of ceiling panels (4) carried at edges (5) by the supporting structure (2). At least one fixation panel (8) is mounted above a ceiling panel (4) and is secured to at least one runner (3) of the supporting structure (2). The construction element (7) is secured to the fixation panel (8) by means of fasteners (11) extending through holes (12) in said ceiling panel. A method of mounting a construction element, such as a partition wall, to a suspended ceiling structure is also disclosed.