Snap-Fit Ceiling Support Clip for Perpendicular Beam Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for connecting cross beams to main beams in suspension ceiling grids are cumbersome and inefficient, requiring cumbersome sliding mechanisms that complicate the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A suspension ceiling support clip with a snap-fit connector and locking member allows for easy attachment of cross beams to main beams by receiving beams in a perpendicular direction, eliminating the need for additional fasteners and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional sliding mechanisms are used to attach cross beams to main beams, then the connection can be achieved, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of beam attachmentVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support clip is divided into distinct functional segments: a body portion that interfaces with the main beam, a snap-fit connector for initial attachment, and a locking member for securing the cross beam. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall installation process while maintaining connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support clip serves as an intermediary component between the main beam and cross beam, eliminating the need for direct beam-to-beam connection or complex sliding mechanisms. The clip mediates the connection through its snap-fit and locking mechanisms, making the attachment process simpler and more controlled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If multiple separate fasteners are used to connect beams, then secure attachment can be achieved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple fastening functions are merged into a single integrated support clip component. The snap-fit connector and locking member work together in one unified structure, allowing both attachment and securing operations to be performed simultaneously or in quick succession, thereby improving installation speed without compromising connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The snap-fit connector performs preliminary attachment by snapping onto the main beam before the cross beam is fully positioned. This preliminary action secures the support clip to the main beam in advance, allowing the locking member to then quickly secure the cross beam without requiring multiple separate fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS11274440B2Suspension ceiling support clip

Publication Date: 2022.03.15 CERTAINTEED CEILINGS CORP

AI summary

A suspension ceiling support clip including a body, a snap-fit connector disposed on the body, and a locking member disposed on the body. The snap-fit connector is configured to receive a first beam of a suspension ceiling that extends in a first direction. The locking member is configured to receive a second beam of the suspension ceiling that extends in a second direction, where the first direction is perpendicular to the second direction.