Modular Beam Connections for Acoustic Architectural Fixtures

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing architectural fixtures lack sound-absorption, modular construction, improved component connections, and ease of manufacture, assembly, adjustment, and maintenance, while also being limited to horizontally or vertically oriented surfaces.

Innovation Solution

An architectural fixture assembly featuring beams with cavities, notches, and elongated channels for secure attachment, along with connection keys and joiner brackets, allowing for various configurations and easy assembly, adjustment, and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional fixtures use only horizontally or vertically oriented surfaces, then manufacturing is simpler, but adaptability and versatility are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefixture configuration varietyVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture is divided into modular components including beams, panels, and connection elements that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each beam contains standardized cavities and channels that accept different panel types and configurations, enabling versatile arrangements without requiring complex custom-molded structures for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The beam structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, defines cavity spaces for panels, contains channels for connections, and enables various orientations and configurations. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components for each fixture type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If fixtures lack modular construction, then structural integrity is simpler to ensure, but ease of assembly, adjustment, and maintenance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidconstruction complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture system is segmented into discrete modular units (beams, panels, connection elements) that can be independently manufactured, handled, and assembled. This modular construction enables straightforward assembly procedures while maintaining structural integrity through standardized connection interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Panels are designed to nest within cavities defined by beams, and connection elements fit within channels of the beams. This nesting arrangement simplifies assembly by providing guided insertion paths and self-aligning features, reducing assembly complexity despite the modular segmented construction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If sound-absorption is not provided, then the fixture structure is simpler, but acoustic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound absorptionVSAvoidfixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixture incorporates porous or perforated panel materials within the beam cavities that provide sound absorption functionality. These materials maintain the modular beam-and-panel structure while adding acoustic treatment capability through the selective use of porous substances in the cavity spaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

Sound-absorbing materials are introduced as intermediary elements within the existing beam cavity structure. These materials mediate between the structural framework and the acoustic environment, providing sound absorption without requiring fundamental changes to the beam and panel system architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If connection between components is not improved, then manufacturing is easier, but reliability and secure attachment deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Connection elements are pre-formed with specific geometric features (protrusions, recesses, engagement surfaces) that correspond to matching features in the beams and panels. This preliminary preparation of connection interfaces ensures reliable attachment when components are assembled, while the standardized pre-formed elements keep manufacturing processes straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features where geometric interlocking and friction fit automatically establish reliable connections during assembly. This self-service mechanism provides dependable attachment without requiring complex fastening procedures or specialized assembly equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12416152B2Architectural fixture connection system

Publication Date: 2025.09.16 ARKTURA LLC

AI summary

An architectural fixture connection system offers acoustical and aesthetic benefits. This system utilizes modular construction, allowing interconnection of a variety of different beams to form an installation that may attach to a wall or ceiling of a building. This system may be formed of a series of sheets which are formed into beams using securing brackets and attachment brackets, then coupled to one another using a series of joiner brackets. Interconnection between adjacent beams need not be linear, allowing free-form shapes and angles.