Hook Connection Clip for False Ceiling Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suspended ceiling systems face challenges during fires as cross beams expand, leading to potential buckling and panel detachment, without adequate expansion relief mechanisms like those provided for main beams.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a connector clip with a trailing and leading portion, featuring fastening holes, stiffening bumps, anti-rotation bumps, and a locking tab, which allows for controlled expansion of cross beams by bending and rotating within a keyhole slot in the main beam, maintaining structural integrity during fires.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If cross beams are made rigid to maintain structural strength, then strength is improved, but expansion relief is lost causing buckling during fire
Solution Approach 1:
The connector clip is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow it to transition from a rigid connection state during normal conditions to an expanded state during fire. The clip's geometry enables it to accommodate beam expansion through controlled deformation while maintaining connection integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector clip utilizes changes in geometric parameters to accommodate thermal expansion. As temperature increases, the clip's dimensions change in a controlled manner, allowing the cross beam to expand without buckling while maintaining structural integrity through the altered configuration.
2Reliability
If connector clip allows significant expansion movement, then expansion relief is improved, but connection stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connector clip employs dynamic geometry that adapts to thermal conditions. During normal operation, the clip maintains a stable, rigid connection. During fire-induced expansion, the clip's geometric configuration dynamically adjusts to accommodate movement while preserving connection integrity through its engineered deformation path.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector clip features asymmetric geometry with unequal arm lengths and non-symmetric connection points. This asymmetry creates a mechanical advantage that allows controlled expansion movement in one direction while maintaining stability and preventing excessive movement or detachment in other directions.
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 connector clip enables controlled expansion of cross beams, preventing buckling and panel detachment, while maintaining a secure connection to the main beam, ensuring the structural ceiling remains protected from heat damage.
Implementation Method 1
the elevated temperatures cause the beams to expand longitudinally to relieve stress
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A ceiling beam connector. The connector has a leading portion attached to a trailing portion by an offset. The leading portion including an anti-rotation bump extending in the direction of the offset, a locking tab extending in the direction of the offset, a top protrusion bent toward the offset, and a hook on a bottom edge of the leading portion opposite the top protrusion. The trailing portion including a bottom angled flange, and a top angled flange having a finger which extends above the leading portion and is separated from the leading portion by a notch.