Hanging Load Support for Suspended Ceilings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceilings with roll-formed sheet metal grid beams struggle to support heavy loads without compromising the structural integrity of the beams, often requiring the use of heavier forged metal beams which is inefficient in terms of metal usage.
Innovation Solution
The use of threaded load and hang rods secured by clips that transmit loads vertically through the webs of roll-formed sheet metal grid beams, preventing twisting or bending, and strategically spacing these clips to maintain a balanced and level ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If heavy loads are supported using prior art suspended ceilings with roll-formed sheet metal grid beams, then the beam weight capacity is insufficient, but using heavier forged metal beams increases metal usage and structural weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces hang clips as intermediary components that connect the roll-formed sheet metal grid beams to heavy loads. These clips are strategically positioned and designed to distribute loads vertically through the beam webs, preventing direct stress concentration on the beams themselves. This intermediary mechanism enables the lightweight grid to support heavy loads without requiring heavier forged metal beams.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the load transmission parameters by ensuring forces are applied vertically through the beam webs rather than laterally through the flanges. This parameter change in force direction and application point allows the roll-formed beams to utilize their optimal structural characteristics, maintaining high load capacity while keeping beam weight low.
2Stability of the object's composition
If loads are applied to roll-formed sheet metal grid beams, then the beams may twist or bend compromising structural integrity, but avoiding proper load transmission paths reduces load support efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by designing hang clips with specific geometries that match the beam web geometry. The clips are positioned at specific locations along the beams where vertical load transmission occurs, creating localized stress distribution zones that prevent twisting and bending while maintaining overall structural integrity. This localized approach ensures load support efficiency without compromising stability.
3Strength
If clips are used to transmit loads through grid beams, then proper load transmission requires strategic clip spacing, but improper spacing causes unbalanced ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies equipotentiality by strategically spacing hang clips to distribute loads evenly across the suspended ceiling system. The clips are positioned to create balanced force vectors that maintain the ceiling in a level, equilibrium state. This systematic spacing ensures both effective load transmission and ease of operation by preventing unbalanced conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting loads from a support structure. The load is supported with threaded rods that are connected from above and below a suspended ceiling of roll-formed sheet metal beams. Clips on the rods connected to the beams pass the load through the suspended ceiling grid without bending or twisting the grid, so that the suspended ceiling remains level, balanced, and intact above the suspended load.