Resilient Coupling Bracket for Ceiling Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of suspended ceilings is time-consuming and labor-intensive due to the need for manual placement, coupling, and locking of thick-walled steel coupling brackets, which requires significant effort and is difficult to perform for large numbers of profiles and brackets, especially when working above one's head.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling suspension system with resilient elastically deformable coupling brackets that have retaining tabs that automatically move out of the way to facilitate easy coupling of secondary profiles with primary profiles, allowing for quick and effortless installation, and can be made from thin-walled resilient materials like spring steel or plastic.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If thick-walled steel coupling brackets are used to provide rigid connection, then connection strength is improved, but installation effort and time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bracket transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system where the retaining tabs can elastically deform. The tabs are designed to be flexible during installation (allowing easy engagement) and become rigid when locked into position, providing the necessary connection strength while reducing installation effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The material properties of the coupling bracket are changed by using elastic/resilient material instead of conventional thick-walled steel. This allows the bracket to exhibit different stiffness characteristics during installation versus operation, enabling easy installation while maintaining strong connections.
2Reliability
If manual placement and coupling of brackets is performed, then connection reliability is improved, but labor intensity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling bracket is designed to perform the locking function automatically through elastic deformation of the retaining tabs. When the secondary profile is inserted, the tabs naturally deform and snap into the locked position without requiring manual intervention, while still providing reliable connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical locking process is replaced by an elastic deformation mechanism. The retaining tabs use elasticity to automatically engage and lock the secondary profile in position, substituting the need for manual manipulation while ensuring reliable connection.
3Ease of operation
If resilient elastically deformable retaining tabs are used, then installation ease is improved, but bracket material requirements change
Solution Approach 1:
The material parameters are changed from conventional rigid steel to elastic/resilient materials that can undergo reversible deformation. This enables the retaining tabs to flex during installation and spring back to provide locking, greatly simplifying installation while the manufacturing process adapts to work with these material properties.
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
The system enables fast and light installation of suspended ceilings, reducing the manual effort required for placing, coupling, and locking brackets, allowing for easy handling of large numbers of profiles and brackets, and providing a secure and rigid connection between primary and secondary profiles.
Implementation Method 1
at least the retaining tabs of the coupling bracket are made resilient elastically deformable for being movable out of their retaining position towards a passing position in which the secondary profile is movable into or out of its form-fitting enclosing during coupling of the secondary profile with the coupling legs, and for the resilient elastically deformable retaining tabs to then spring back towards their retaining position
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling suspension system includes a primary profile, a secondary profile, and a coupling bracket. The bracket includes a main body through which the primary profile can extend, two coupling legs that can lie at a first side of and couple with the secondary profile, and two retaining tabs which can lie at a second side opposite side of the secondary profile and enclosing the secondary profile form-fitting together with the primary profile and the coupling legs. The coupling bracket both in a non-installed and installed state, has its retaining tabs lie in the retaining position, where at least the retaining tabs of the coupling bracket are made resilient for being movable out of their retaining position towards a passing position in which the secondary profile is movable into or out of its form-fitting enclosing during coupling of the secondary profile with the coupling legs.