Sprinkler Drop Bracket for Intersecting Downlight Grid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fire sprinkler support assemblies are challenging to install in grid-type ceiling systems with intersecting downlights, as they require securing to ceiling structures, which can be undesirable and may not meet fire safety industry requirements.
Innovation Solution
A snap-to-grid bracket assembly that couples a fire sprinkler support assembly to a downlight suspension frame, featuring a main body with seating members and a support arm that can be easily attached to ceiling grid support elements, allowing for secure and efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing fire sprinkler support assemblies are secured to ceiling structures, then the sprinkler head is securely held in place, but the installation becomes complex and may not meet fire safety industry requirements in grid-type ceiling systems with downlights
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly serves as an intermediary component between the sprinkler support assembly and the downlight suspension frame. It includes a first set of seating members that couple to the suspension frame and a second set of seating members that couple to ceiling grid support elements, mediating the connection without requiring direct attachment to ceiling structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is designed to be universally applicable in grid-type ceiling systems with downlights. It can be attached to existing downlight suspension frames and ceiling grid support elements, serving multiple functions: supporting the sprinkler assembly, maintaining alignment with lighting fixtures, and meeting fire safety standards without requiring extensive modifications.
2Reliability
If fire sprinkler systems are installed in grid-type ceiling systems with intersecting downlights, then fire safety coverage is achieved, but the installation time and tooling requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is pre-configured with seating members designed to mate with standard downlight suspension frames and ceiling grid support elements. The first set of seating members is prepared in advance to couple to the suspension frame, and the second set is prepared to couple to the ceiling grid support elements, eliminating the need for on-site customization or extensive tooling.
3Reliability
If sprinkler heads are positioned at intersections of ceiling tiles, then fire safety coverage is optimized, but alignment with lighting fixtures becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed with asymmetric seating member configurations that accommodate the specific geometry of downlight suspension frames and ceiling grid support elements at intersections. The first set of seating members couples to the suspension frame in a manner that maintains symmetrical placement relative to the downlight, while the second set couples to the ceiling grid support elements, ensuring proper alignment despite the asymmetric nature of ceiling intersections.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for mounting a bracket assembly on a suspension frame, the method including attaching a main body of the bracket assembly to the suspension frame; and attaching a support arm of the bracket assembly to a ceiling grid support element of the suspension frame, the support arm extending outward from the main body.