Adjustable Locking Bracket for Variable Ceiling Grid Heights
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bracket systems for attaching elements to structures, such as fire suppression sprinkler systems in cleanrooms, require multiple components and tools to adjust for different ceiling grid systems, leading to complexity and inefficiency in securing elements at varying heights.
Innovation Solution
A bracket system comprising a base with an aperture and a locking body that moves between positions to align with the aperture, featuring an engagement surface to secure elements, allowing adjustable attachment to structures with different grid systems without the need for multiple components or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed-location retaining ring is used to secure the long tube to the ceiling grid, then the bracket can securely attach the element, but the system requires multiple different long tubes with different groove locations to accommodate different ceiling grid heights
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is made movable along the long tube instead of being fixed at a predetermined location. The retention groove extends along a portion of the long tube, allowing the retaining ring to be positioned at different locations to accommodate different ceiling grid heights, thus making the system dynamic and adaptable while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
A single long tube design with an extended retention groove can serve multiple ceiling grid heights, replacing the need for multiple different long tubes with grooves at different fixed locations. This universal design allows one component to perform multiple functions across different installation scenarios.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple retaining rings or snap rings are used to adjust the location of the bracket, then different ceiling grid heights can be accommodated, but the system becomes more complex and requires additional tools for field adjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The retention groove is segmented along the length of the long tube, providing multiple possible engagement positions for the retaining ring. This segmentation allows adjustment to different heights without requiring multiple separate retaining rings or snap rings, reducing component count while maintaining adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring can be directly positioned and secured by the installer without requiring additional adjustment tools. The design allows field adjustment through simple manual positioning of the retaining ring along the groove, eliminating the need for specialized tools for adjustment.
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket uses a base and a locking body to attach an element to a structure. The base is attachable to the structure and defines an aperture for receiving the element. The locking body defines an opening adapted to receive the element. The locking body defines an engagement surface positioned within the opening. The engagement surface is adapted to secure the element to the base through mechanical engagement. The locking body is movable between a first position wherein the opening is not aligned with the aperture, and a second position wherein the opening aligns with the aperture. The engagement surface is engagable with the element when the locking body is in the second position.