Seismic Ceiling Support with Slidable Superstructure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspended ceilings in seismic prone areas face challenges in maintaining integrity during earthquakes, especially in hospital corridors where hang wires interfere with essential infrastructure, and existing support methods are cumbersome and prone to failure.
Innovation Solution
A superstructure composed of multiple elements above the main beams, slidably keyed into a lateral support bar at the slip wall and secured to the fixed wall, provides additional backup support during seismic events, ensuring continued stability of the ceiling even if the main beams are shaken off the wall molding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If hang wires are used to support suspended ceilings in corridors up to twelve feet between walls, then the ceiling can be supported across the span, but the hang wires interfere with essential infrastructure such as water lines, heating and cooling air ducts, electrical conduits, and sprinkler systems
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the support function from the interior space by moving it to the perimeter walls. Wall moldings are installed at the walls to support the ends of main beams, eliminating the need for hang wires in the intermediate space where infrastructure is located. This allows the ceiling to span up to twelve feet without interfering with water lines, air ducts, conduits, and sprinkler systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the grid is fixed to both walls, then the ceiling is stable during normal operation, but the ceiling cannot accommodate seismic movement during earthquakes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention makes the wall molding connection dynamic by providing both fixed and slip capabilities. The wall molding is secured to the fixed wall to provide stable support during normal operation, while also allowing the grid to slip relative to the molding during seismic events. This enables the ceiling to maintain stability when needed and adapt to seismic movement when required.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the grid is allowed to slip at one wall during seismic events, then the ceiling can accommodate seismic movement, but the beam ends may be shaken off the horizontal ledge of the wall molding
Solution Approach 1:
The invention provides beforehand cushioning by installing a backup support system in the form of a lateral support bar with keyholes. This backup support is positioned to engage with bulb and web portions of the superstructure before a seismic event occurs. If the beam ends are shaken off the horizontal ledge during地震, the keyholes provide continued support, preventing ceiling collapse.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional wall moldings are used to support beam ends, then the installation is simple, but the support is insufficient during seismic events when beams may be shaken off the ledge
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the simple wall molding support system with an additional lateral support bar system. The wall molding continues to provide simple installation and normal support, while the lateral support bar with keyholes adds seismic resistance. The two systems work together, maintaining ease of installation while significantly improving reliability during seismic events.
Data Source
AI summary
In a panel suspended ceiling for seismic prone areas, a superstructure extends from and above the ceiling grid. The superstructure is engaged within a lateral support bar that slidably supports the superstructure, and ceiling, during a seismic event.