Suspended Ceiling System with Adjustable Support Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-planar suspended ceiling systems require unique panels, which are more complex and costly to manufacture, limiting flexibility and ease of installation, and often do not utilize standard square or rectangular panels.
Innovation Solution
A suspended ceiling system using standard T-profiles with support elements positioned at varying elevations to tilt standard planar ceiling panels, allowing for non-planar arrangements without the need for specialized panels, maintaining stability and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If unique tilted panels are used to create non-planar ceiling effects, then aesthetic and acoustic characteristics are improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the ceiling into standard planar panels that maintain their simple manufacturing, while using adjustable support elements to create the non-planar configuration. This separates the panel manufacturing from the tilting mechanism, allowing standard panels to be used without complex manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces adjustment in the vertical dimension through movable support elements, allowing standard panels to be tilted at various angles. This adds a degree of freedom in the vertical direction without changing the panel design, enabling non-planar ceilings while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
2Ease of manufacture
If standard planar panels are used in a non-planar configuration, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but installation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to be movable and adjustable during installation, allowing installers to set the desired tilt angle for each panel. This dynamic adjustment capability simplifies installation by allowing panels to be positioned in the correct orientation rather than requiring pre-tilted custom panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable support elements enable installers to self-adjust each panel's position and angle during installation, eliminating the need for specialized equipment or complex assembly procedures. The system is designed to be easily configured by the installer themselves.
3Adaptability or versatility
If support elements are added to create tilted panels, then non-planar design capability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support elements are designed to perform multiple functions: they provide structural support for the panels, enable tilt adjustment, and allow for height variation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, maintaining relative simplicity while achieving non-planar configuration capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~4B
Figure 5A~6
Figure 7A~7C
AI summary
The invention provides a suspended ceiling system comprising: (i) a supporting grid wherein the supporting grid comprises at least two substantially parallel inverted T-profiles, wherein each T-profile comprises a substantially horizontal flange and a substantially vertical web that has an upper end, and wherein the two T-profiles are at substantially the same horizontal elevation, and (ii) suspended between the two T-profiles a substantially planar ceiling panel that has two substantially parallel upper and lower major faces, (iii) wherein the supporting grid comprises a support element fitted on to at least one of the T-profiles wherein the support element provides at least one support surface that is positioned at an elevation higher than the flange of said T-profile, and (iv) wherein one end of the lower major face of the ceiling panel rests on the flange of one T-profile and the other end of the lower major face of the ceiling panel rests on a support surface of the support element that is fitted on to the other T-profile. The invention also provides a method of manufacturing the suspended ceiling system.