Suspended Ceiling Pass-Through Grid Connector for Heavy Loads
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suspended ceilings in data centers face mechanical failures due to heavy loads, as they cannot support weights exceeding a thousand pounds, and existing solutions compromise containment zones or require cumbersome installation methods.
Innovation Solution
A pass-through grid connector formed of two identical halves with specific features such as flanges, apertures, and a clip design, allowing load-bearing members to pass through without modifying ceiling tiles or grid components, maintaining containment zones and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If threaded rods are used to pass through the suspended ceiling to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the containment zones provided by the suspended ceiling are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The grid connector is divided into two separate halves that are joined together to form the complete connector. This segmentation allows the connector to be assembled around the threaded rod without requiring field modifications to the ceiling tiles or grid components, thereby maintaining containment zone integrity while supporting heavy loads
Solution Approach 2:
The grid connector acts as an intermediary component between the threaded rod and the suspended ceiling grid. It provides a dedicated passage for the threaded rod while maintaining the structural integrity and containment functionality of the suspended ceiling system
2Strength
If a structural ceiling is constructed to support heavy loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the installation complexity and equipment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The grid connector is designed as two separable halves that can be assembled around the threaded rod in place, eliminating the need for bulky jigs and lifting systems required for traditional structural ceiling installations
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of assembling the ceiling structure first and then finding ways to pass loads through it, the invention inverts the approach by providing a dedicated connector component that is specifically designed to accommodate threaded rods, allowing for simpler installation without requiring the ceiling to be constructed as a heavy structural element
3Strength
If the suspended ceiling is modified to accommodate load-bearing rods, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the appearance and containment zones are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the load-bearing function from the ceiling tiles and grid components themselves, and instead provides it through a dedicated grid connector component. This allows the ceiling tiles and grid to maintain their original appearance and containment functionality while the connector handles the structural load-bearing requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A pass through grid connector clip for a suspended ceiling. The grid connector clip is made of two identical halves connected back-to-back by a fastener passing through a first aperture of both identical halves or other joining method. The identical halves each have a web with a first side and an opposite second side defining a height; a third side and an opposite fourth side defining a length; a louver element closer to a fourth side than the third side; a half sleeve located between the clip and the louver element and extending from the first side to the second side the in a substantially semi-circular shape; the first aperture located between the half sleeve and the clip or the half sleeve and the louver element. The halves include a clip connected to the third side and two flanges projecting in substantially the same direction from opposite sides of the web. As a result, when the halves are joined back-to-back they form a pass through sleeve.