Snap-Fit Suspended Ceiling Spacer for Variable Strip Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling frameworks face challenges in allowing variable spacing between spacers, requiring aligned openings in furring strips, limiting versatility and increasing construction costs, and necessitating space for attachment, which complicates assembly and restricts their use in other applications.
Innovation Solution
A spacer design with snap-fit clips that allow attachment to furring strips from both the bottom and top faces, enabling assembly in a plane without perpendicular movement, formed from a single metal sheet, and allowing variable spacing without openings, enhancing versatility and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locking means with openings are used in furring strips, then spacers can be mechanically connected to furring strips, but the spacing between spacers cannot be variable and openings must be aligned before attaching spacers, complicating fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the locking function from the furring strip by providing locking means integrated into the spacer itself. The spacer includes locking protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the furring strip, eliminating the need for pre-drilled openings in the furring strip. This allows variable spacing between spacers without requiring aligned openings in the furring strips.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the furring strip provide the locking mechanism through openings, the invention inverts the approach by having the spacer provide the locking mechanism through integrated locking means. The spacer's locking protrusions engage with recesses in the furring strip, reversing the traditional approach where the furring strip would have openings for the spacer to lock into.
2Reliability
If furring strips with holes are used for spacer attachment, then spacers can be secured to furring strips, but the furring strips cannot be used for other applications, increasing construction costs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the attachment function from the furring strip material itself and relocates it to the spacer. The locking means are integrated into the spacer, allowing the furring strip to remain intact and reusable for other applications while still achieving reliable spacer attachment.
3Strength
If spacers are attached to adjacent furring strips, then the framework is reinforced, but space above or below the reinforcement is required, which is problematic during reinforcement fabrication
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the dimension of attachment by allowing the spacer to be attached in the plane of the furring strips rather than requiring space perpendicular to the plane. The locking means enable the spacer to be secured to adjacent furring strips without requiring additional space above or below the reinforcement, facilitating easier fabrication.
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
Facilitates flexible spacing and simplified assembly of suspended ceiling frameworks, reducing construction costs and expanding applications beyond traditional uses by eliminating the need for aligned openings and space above the frame.
Implementation Method 1
the second tab having an elastically movable part extending in the direction of the main axis, the elastically movable part comprising a second face, the second tab being configured so that the second face bears against a top face of a furring strip
Data Source
Figure 1~2
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a spacer for a suspended ceiling frame, the spacer comprising a core for receiving a suspended ceiling plate, the core having two ends, the spacer comprising two fixing modules, each fixing module comprising a snap-on clip, the snap-on clip comprising at least a first tongue and a second tongue, the second tongue having an elastically movable part, the elastically movable part comprising a second face, the second tongue being configured so that the second face rests on an upper face of a furring strip when the spacer is snapped onto the furring strip, the upper face being opposite the bottom face with respect to the furring strip, the snap-on clip having a snap-on module arranged on the second face and opposite the first face.