Modular Clip Attachment System for Dropped Ceiling Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing attachment systems for building materials like baffling, paneling, and cladding on interior surfaces face challenges in balancing aesthetics, acoustics, and structural integrity while being cost-effective and easy to install, particularly in dropped ceiling systems where secure and safe suspension is required.
Innovation Solution
A modular building material attachment system using clips and locking devices with channel fastening features that can be linked together, allowing for secure attachment to building surfaces via eyebolts or other support members, providing high structural load capacity and reducing the number of required attachment devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional gridwork metal channels are used to suspend dropped ceilings, then secure suspension is achieved, but the number of attachment devices increases and installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple attachment devices into a single integrated clip assembly that attaches to one support member. The clip assembly includes a first clip for attaching to a first support member, a second clip for attaching to a second support member, and a building material attachment device that connects both clips, effectively merging multiple attachment functions into one unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system is segmented into modular components including clips, locking devices, and channel fastening features that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining secure suspension capability.
2Strength
If more attachment devices are used to secure building materials, then structural load capacity increases, but installation time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple attachment functions are merged into a single clip assembly that can be installed as one unit, reducing the number of installation steps while maintaining high structural load capacity through the combined action of multiple clips and locking devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The clips and locking devices are pre-assembled into integrated attachment devices before installation, allowing for quicker on-site installation while ensuring proper structural configuration and load distribution from the outset.
3Reliability
If traditional attachment systems are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but aesthetic appearance and acoustic performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system merges structural support functions with aesthetic and acoustic functions by integrating building material attachment capabilities directly into the suspension clips, allowing the same device to both secure the structure and present a clean aesthetic appearance while enabling acoustic panel attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and associated methods for attaching materials (e.g., baffles, panels, etc.) to ceiling or side wall surfaces of a building and/or other substructure of a building are disclosed herein. In some embodiments, the systems include a clip having outwardly facing pockets configured to operably engage opposing protrusions of a channel of a support beam. The system can further include a locking device pivotably coupled to the clip and movable between an unlocked position and a locked position in which a portion of the locking device is positioned between the pockets to prevent the clip from inadvertently disengaging from the channel.