Telescoping Hanger Bar With Detachable T-Bar Clips
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing recessed lighting fixture hanger bars are inflexible and require unnecessary clamps or adapters for installation on different ceiling types, which can be cumbersome and difficult to use, especially when transitioning between standard and drop-down ceilings.
Innovation Solution
A telescoping hanger bar assembly with detachable spring clips that can be angled for easier nail placement and adapted for secure mounting on both joists and T-bars, allowing for adjustable length and secure attachment without the need for additional clamps on drop-down ceilings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If clamps or adapters are formed as part of the hanger bar to attach to drop down ceiling T-bars, then the hanger bar can be used with drop down ceilings, but the clamps or adapters become unnecessary appendages that cannot be removed and may get in the way during installation on standard ceilings
Solution Approach 1:
The hanger bar assembly is divided into separate components: the hanger bar itself and detachable clips. The clips can be attached to the hanger bar when working with drop down ceilings, and removed when working with standard ceilings, providing versatility without permanent complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The clips are designed to be dynamically attachable and detachable from the hanger bar, allowing the system to adapt its configuration based on the installation requirements. This dynamic attachment enables the same hanger bar to work with both standard ceilings and drop down ceilings
2Reliability
If nails are driven straight through the hanger bar, then secure attachment is achieved, but accidental impacts with the thin sheet metal hanger bar can occur during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The nail holes are positioned and angled in three-dimensional space to extend away from the hanger bar. This spatial arrangement allows the installer to drive nails at an angle, directing the nail path away from the thin sheet metal of the hanger bar, thereby reducing the risk of accidental impacts while maintaining secure attachment
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 easier and more secure installation of recessed lighting fixtures by allowing adjustable length and secure attachment to various ceiling types, reducing installation complexity and avoiding accidental impacts during nail driving.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring clip is detachably coupled to the first bracket, and a second spring clip is detachably coupled to the second bracket
Implementation Method 2
A second bar is disposed within the channel, and the second bar moves within the channel for a telescoping action
Data Source
AI summary
A hanger bar for supporting a recessed light fixture is attachable to ceiling joists or a T-bar grid of a drop down ceiling. First and second bars of the hanger bar slide and telescope. First and second spring clips are detachably coupled to the brackets at the ends of the first and second bars, respectively. Each of the first and second clips has a pair of downwardly extending arms bent inwardly toward one another, a first leg extending from a first arm, a second leg extending from a second arm, and an outwardly-extending foot on the second leg. The spring clips snap on to the T-bar grid. Each bracket includes a nail that is angled away from the hanger bar and downward so that the nail head is below the level of the hanger bar. The angled nails enable easy hammer strikes to attach the hanger bar to ceiling joists without accidental hammer blows to the hanger bar.