T-Profile Ceiling Section With Integrated Elastic Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for false ceiling structures are complex and expensive to produce, lacking simplicity and economical efficiency in assembly.

Innovation Solution

A section with a 'T' profile featuring a central rib, perpendicular plate, and an elastically flexible coupling element with a tongue and attachment base, allowing for guided engagement and reliable mechanical connection between sections, facilitating easy assembly and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If coupling elements are positioned on lateral ends of the rib and engage mechanically on dedicated apertures, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection reliabilityVSAvoidsection structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is integrated directly into the rib structure, eliminating the need for separate coupling components positioned on lateral ends. The rib itself forms the coupling element through its geometric shape, merging the structural support function with the coupling function, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining mechanical connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, defines the section geometry, and acts as the coupling element for mechanical connection. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated coupling components, reducing both device complexity and production cost while ensuring reliable mechanical connections between sections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If complex coupling elements with multiple components are used, then reliable assembly is achieved, but production cost and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly reliabilityVSAvoidproduction economy
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling function is merged into the rib structure itself, which is formed in a single extrusion or molding process. This eliminates the need for separate coupling components and multiple assembly steps, significantly reducing production cost and manufacturing complexity while maintaining assembly reliability through the inherent geometric design of the rib.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The rib's cross-sectional geometry is specifically designed to provide coupling capability through its shape parameters. By optimizing the rib's geometric parameters during the extrusion or molding process, the section achieves reliable mechanical connection without requiring additional components or complex manufacturing steps, thereby improving ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stability of the object's composition

If sections are assembled with multiple coupling elements and engagement apertures, then stable structure is achieved, but assembly time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure stabilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element and engagement aperture are integrated into the rib structure, allowing sections to be connected through a single insertion motion. This eliminates the need for aligning and assembling multiple separate coupling components, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining structure stability through the monolithic rib design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The section is divided into functional zones within the rib structure: the main body for structural support and the integrated coupling zone for mechanical connection. This segmentation allows the coupling function to be built into the rib itself, enabling quick assembly without requiring multiple discrete components, thereby reducing assembly time while maintaining structure stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution enables simple, economical production and reliable mechanical connections, ensuring stability and ease of assembly for false ceiling structures, overcoming the complexity and cost issues of prior art.

Implementation Method 1

a tongue (48) elastically flexible and connected to the attachment base (40)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2374954B1Section for structures and relative structure
Publication Date: 2015.07.01 DALLAN S R L CASTELFRANCO VENETO
  • EP2374954B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2374954B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2374954B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A section (4, 4'4') with a "T" profile comprising a rib (24) and a plate (28) which extends from a first to a second end (12, 16). The section (4,4',4") having, in proximity of at least one of said ends (12, 16) a coupling element (20) suitable to engage with a further section (4"), and the rib (24) comprising at least one engagement aperture (36) shaped to house said coupling element (20). Advantageously, the coupling element (20) comprises an attachment base (40) to the rib (24) which projects at least partially from the section (4,4',4") with a free end (44), and a tongue (48) elastically flexible and connected to the attachment base (40). The tongue (48) is bent towards the attachment base (40) at said free end (44) so as to form an angle of incidence with the attachment base (40), and is provided with a coupling hole (52) suitable to engage with at least a first tooth (56) of the engagement aperture (36).