Perimeter Pocket Wall Attachment Hooks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional perimeter pockets in suspended ceiling systems are complex, expensive to construct, and not suitable for seismic areas due to lack of planning and inefficient installation methods.

Innovation Solution

A perimeter pocket system with a top portion, first and second legs, and a wall attachment region featuring hooks and ledges for secure attachment to walls, along with protuberances for attaching various components like window shades, wire management devices, and ceiling beams, ensuring stability and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional studs and drywall materials are used to create perimeter pockets, then the pockets can be constructed, but the construction becomes complex and expensive due to added labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of constructionVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The perimeter pocket system is divided into separate modular components including the perimeter pocket structure, closure clips, end caps, and mounting hardware. This segmentation allows each component to be manufactured independently and assembled on-site, reducing construction complexity while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design incorporates specific attachment features such as hooks, ledges, and protuberances that provide immediate visual and physical feedback during installation to ensure proper positioning and secure attachment, eliminating the need for complex measurement and alignment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Ease of operation

If traditional construction methods are used for perimeter pockets, then pockets can be created, but installation becomes difficult and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The perimeter pocket components are pre-assembled with integrated attachment features during manufacturing. The closure clips, end caps, and mounting hardware are designed to attach directly to the pocket structure without requiring on-site fabrication or complex assembly procedures, significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates self-aligning and self-securing features such as snap-fit connections, interlocking geometries, and pre-positioned fastening points that allow installers to quickly assemble the perimeter pocket system without requiring specialized skills or tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If traditional perimeter pocket construction is used, then pockets can be formed, but they are not suitable for seismic areas due to lack of planning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveseismic performanceVSAvoiddesign planning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment features are strategically positioned at critical locations within the perimeter pocket structure to provide enhanced seismic resistance. Hooks, ledges, and protuberances are placed to distribute seismic loads evenly across the structure and its attachments, ensuring reliable performance in seismic areas without requiring overall design complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of manufacture

If studs and drywall are used for perimeter pockets, then pockets can be created, but the cost increases due to added labor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconstruction simplicityVSAvoidmaterial cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The perimeter pocket system utilizes composite construction combining lightweight materials for the pocket structure with durable attachment features. This composite approach reduces the quantity of heavy materials like studs and drywall needed while maintaining structural integrity and reducing labor costs through simplified installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS10927546B2Integrated perimeter pocket
Publication Date: 2021.02.23 WORTHINGTON ARMSTRONG VENTURE
  • US10927546B2 patent drawing
  • US10927546B2 patent drawing
  • US10927546B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A system including a wall-mount hook and a perimeter pocket. The wall-mount hook is attached to a wall and includes a wall contacting portion having a top and a bottom, and a upward facing hook between the top and the bottom of the wall contacting portion. The pocket includes a top portion attached to a first and second leg on opposite ends of the top portion extending downwardly. The pocket further includes a wall attachment region including a downward facing hook and a ledge on an exterior surface of the pocket. The first leg contacts the wall, the bottom of the wall contacting portion slots into the ledge of the wall attachment region, and the downward facing hook of the wall attachment region rests on the upward facing hook of the wall-mount hook. The connection between the wall-mount hook and the pocket constrains lateral and vertical movement of the pocket.