Flexible Ceiling Panel Suspension with Adjustable Support Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling suspension systems are rigid, requiring multiple tile geometries and increasing costs and waste due to limited flexibility, making it difficult to achieve desired ceiling designs and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling suspension system utilizing flexible panels and adjustable elongate support members that can be coupled to a support structure and elongate mounting beams, allowing for the panels to be shaped and positioned as needed, reducing the need for multiple tile geometries and enabling non-flat ceiling constructions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If rigid ceiling suspension systems are used, then structural stability is improved, but flexibility and design adaptability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the support members adjustable in length and position. The elongate support members can be extended or retracted to different lengths, and their attachment positions on both the support structure and panel can be adjusted, transforming a rigid static system into a dynamic adjustable one that maintains stability while providing flexibility for various ceiling designs
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing modification of the support members' physical parameters - specifically their effective length and attachment positions. By changing these parameters, the system can adapt to different ceiling geometries and design requirements while maintaining structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple tile geometries are used to achieve design requirements, then design flexibility is improved, but manufacturing cost and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a standardized support member that can serve multiple functions and accommodate various ceiling configurations. Instead of requiring different support structures for different tile geometries, the same adjustable support member can be configured for square, rectangular, or custom-shaped panels, simplifying both manufacturing and installation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes to achieve design flexibility without increasing complexity. By adjusting the length and position parameters of the support members rather than changing the support member geometry itself, the system can accommodate different panel shapes and ceiling designs using the same standardized components
3Strength
If rigid support structures are used, then structural strength is improved, but ability to form non-flat ceilings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by enabling the support members to be adjusted to different lengths and angles, allowing the formation of curved or angled ceiling profiles while maintaining structural strength. The adjustable nature permits the creation of non-flat ceiling geometries without compromising the load-bearing capacity of the support structure
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
A ceiling suspension system comprises a flexible panel, a first support structure and a plurality of elongate support members, wherein each elongate support member comprises a first end and a second end. The first end of each elongate support member is coupled to the first support structure and the second end of each elongate support member is coupled to the flexible panel. The coupling between the elongate support members and the flexible panel is arranged to force the flexible panel into a desired shape.