Magnetic Ceiling Clip Channel for Ladderless Sign Mounting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sign hanging systems pose risks of injury due to the need for employees to climb ladders or use unstable surfaces to mount signs on ceiling grids, and they often require multiple motions and tools for installation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling clip system that allows for multiple hanging points to be mounted and unmounted using a single elongated pole, with adjustable cord lengths and spacings, enabling secure and versatile sign placement without the need for ladders, and can be easily positioned at desired angles or levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If employees climb ladders or use boxes to mount signs on ceiling grids, then signs can be installed at visible ceiling locations, but the risk of falling or injury increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a magnetic mounting system as an intermediary between the employee and the ceiling grid. Instead of direct physical contact requiring ladder climbing, the magnetic channel and clips provide a remote mounting mechanism that eliminates the need for employees to reach dangerous heights, thereby resolving the contradiction between sign visibility and injury risk
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical ladder-climbing system with a magnetic field-based mounting system. The magnetic channel and clips use magnetic attraction to secure signs to the ceiling grid without requiring physical support structures like ladders, thus eliminating the harmful falling risk while maintaining ceiling-level visibility
2Reliability
If traditional sign mounting systems are used, then signs can be securely attached to ceiling grids, but multiple motions and tools are required for installation and removal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple mounting functions into a single integrated magnetic channel system. The channel incorporates multiple magnetic clips that can be simultaneously engaged with the ceiling grid using one motion, eliminating the need for separate tools and multiple attachment steps, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining secure attachment
Solution Approach 2:
The magnetic channel serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables simultaneous engagement of multiple clips, allows easy removal, and facilitates repositioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and motions needed, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and operational simplicity
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
This system reduces the risk of injury by allowing for safe and efficient sign installation and removal, enabling creative display configurations while minimizing the need for multiple tools and ladder use, thus enhancing safety and ease of use.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated flexible magnet affixed to the sign holder for fastening to a ceiling grid
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling clip for mounting a sign or display includes a spool portion on which is wound a cord that is selectively unwound to a desired length and attached in a line clip for suspending the sign or display from the cord. The ceiling clip includes first and second flanges wherein the second flange is shaped to fit into a channel. The second flange is tapered for insertion into the channel and is of a width to frictionally engage the channel. Multiple ceiling clips may be inserted into the channel. The channel has magnets, hooks, interlocking cleats, or other mounting means that engage a mounting location to mount the channel, ceiling clips, and the sign or display at the mounting location with a single mounting motion. The channel may be mounted or unmounted using a gripper on a pole.