Impact Resistant Suspended Ceiling With Dynamic Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing impact-resistant suspended ceilings are limited in their ability to accommodate larger ceiling tiles and absorb significant impacts without breaking, particularly when using light and fragile tiles like mineral wool panels, which are prone to damage during large impacts.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a stop mechanism arranged in a second plane parallel to the ceiling tiles, allowing them to move from a first position to a second position upon impact, where the impact is absorbed by the tile's movement and weight, reducing the risk of damage and enabling the use of a wider range of tile sizes and types, including mineral wool panels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If clips with spring elements are used to limit upward movement of ceiling tiles, then impact resistance is improved, but the ceiling tiles are still prone to breaking during large impacts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static clipping system to a dynamic stop system that allows ceiling tiles to move freely upward during impact. The stop is positioned at a distance from the suspension frame, creating a controlled movement space that absorbs impact energy through tile displacement rather than mechanical resistance, thereby preventing tile breakage while maintaining impact resistance
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the key parameter from fixed tile position (with spring clips) to variable tile position (with spaced stop). By adjusting the distance between the suspension frame and the stop, the system can accommodate different tile types and impact levels, allowing light and fragile tiles like mineral wool to move sufficiently to absorb impact without breaking
2Adaptability or versatility
If clips are used to hold ceiling tiles, then small ceiling tiles can be supported, but larger ceiling tiles cannot be effectively supported
Solution Approach 1:
The stop system serves multiple functions: it supports ceiling tiles of various sizes, absorbs impacts of different magnitudes, and works with diverse tile materials. By providing a clear movement path and positioning the stop at an optimized distance, the system universally accommodates both small and large tiles without requiring different support mechanisms
3Ease of operation
If ceiling tiles are held down by clips, then upward movement is limited, but the tiles are more prone to breaking during impact
Solution Approach 1:
The system prepares for impact by providing a pre-configured stop at a safe distance from the suspension frame. This stop acts as a cushion that receives the tile after free movement, absorbing the impact energy without causing tile breakage. The distance between frame and stop is calculated to allow sufficient movement for energy absorption while preventing excessive displacement
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
This solution enhances the impact resistance of suspended ceilings by allowing larger impacts to be absorbed by the tile's movement, reducing the risk of damage to fragile tiles, and enabling the use of mineral wool panels in high-impact areas such as gymnasiums, while maintaining sound-absorbing and fire-resistant properties.
Implementation Method 1
the impact on the ceiling tile will be at least partly transformed to a movement of the impacted ceiling tile towards the building structure
Implementation Method 2
the full impact is absorbed by the movement of the ceiling tile towards the building construction
Implementation Method 3
the remaining part is absorbed by the stop upon impact of the ceiling tile against the stop in the second position
Data Source
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AI summary
Impact resistant suspended ceiling (1) comprising a suspension frame (2) for supporting ceiling tiles (4) in a first position on a first plane (23) and limiting means (5) for limiting an upward movement of the ceiling tiles (4) as a result of the ceiling tiles (4) being impacted wherein the limiting means (5) comprise a stop (3) arranged in a second plane (24) substantially parallel with the first plane (23), wherein the first and second planes (23, 24) are spaced by a distance greater than a thickness of the ceiling tiles such that ceiling tiles (4) can move from the first position to a second position, the ceiling tiles (4) in the first position being spaced from the stop (3) and in the second position being against the stop (3).