Furring Channel Clip Assembly for Utility Space and Vibration Isolation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing furring channel support frameworks face challenges in accommodating utilities due to lack of space and transmit vibrations and noise from walls or ceilings to cladding, which prior solutions like thicker furring channels or underlays only partially address.
Innovation Solution
A clip assembly with a planar, rectangular body and 90° connection and leg portions, incorporating an insulation member made of elastic material to reduce vibrations, and a ferrule to prevent direct contact with fasteners, allowing for adjustable distance between the furring channel and support structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a furring channel of greater thickness is provided to accommodate utilities, then the space for utilities is increased, but the device complexity and material usage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The solution segments the furring channel structure by introducing adjustable channels that can be positioned independently within the clip assembly, allowing utilities to be routed through separate pathways rather than requiring a thicker monolithic channel structure
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the depth dimension by providing adjustable channels that extend into the space between the support structure and cladding, creating utility accommodation space in the Z-direction rather than requiring increased width or height
2Object-affected harmful factors
If underlays are provided between the clip and wall/ceiling to mitigate vibration transmission, then vibration transmission is reduced, but the device complexity and installation steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration-damping function is merged into the clip assembly itself through the resilient element integrated between the clip body and the support structure contact surface, eliminating the need for separate underlay components while maintaining vibration mitigation
Solution Approach 2:
A resilient element acts as an intermediary between the rigid clip structure and the support structure, absorbing vibration energy and preventing direct transmission while simplifying the overall assembly by integrating this function into the clip design
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 clip assembly effectively increases space for utilities, reduces vibration transmission, and prevents damage from overtightening, providing a versatile solution for furring channel support frameworks.
Implementation Method 1
incorporating an insulation member made of elastic material to reduce vibrations
Data Source
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AI summary
A clip for mounting a furring channel to a support structure, the clip having a body portion attachable relative to the support structure, at least one connection portion extending transversely from the body portion, each of the at least one connection portion has two opposed connection positions adapted to connect to the furring channel, at least one leg portion extending transversely from the body portion away from the at least one connection portion, and a foot portion extending transversely from each of the at least one leg portion, wherein in use, when the body portion is attached relative to the support structure, each foot portion is proximal to the support structure and each of the at least one connection portion is distal to the support structure.