Threaded Ceiling Grid Assembly for Heavy Load Tile Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling grid members and assemblies face challenges in supporting increasing loads and retaining ceiling tiles under large forces while allowing easy removal or re-positioning, necessitating enhanced strength and retention mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
Elongated ceiling grid members with threaded upper and lower portions, middle portions with curved side walls, and integrated ceiling tile hold down clips, along with connectors that enhance structural integrity and facilitate easy tile removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional ceiling grid members are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the strength is insufficient to support increasing loads
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling grid member is divided into an upper portion and a lower portion that can be independently manufactured and then connected through threaded members. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for specific load requirements while maintaining manufacturing simplicity, thereby increasing overall strength without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling grid member combines different materials with complementary properties: the upper portion is made of steel for high strength and rigidity to support heavy loads, while the lower portion is made of aluminum for corrosion resistance and ease of handling. This composite construction increases load bearing capacity while maintaining reasonable complexity through the use of standardized connection components.
2Reliability
If ceiling tile retention apparatus is added to support large forces, then tile retention is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling tile retention apparatus is merged with the ceiling grid member itself rather than being a separate component. The retention apparatus includes features such as clips or engagement mechanisms that are integrated into the grid member's structure, allowing it to securely hold ceiling tiles while resisting large upward forces. This integration improves tile retention reliability without adding separate complex apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated ceiling grid member including (1) an upper portion having spaced upper portion side walls (a) threaded to receive and retain a first threaded member and (b) with lowermost edges, (2) a lower portion having spaced lower portion side walls (a) threaded to receive and retain a second threaded member and (b) with uppermost edges, and (3) a middle portion that (a) connects the lowermost edges of the upper portion side walls and the uppermost edges of the lower portion side walls and (b) includes a pair of middle portion side walls that curve inwardly from the lowermost edges of the upper portion side walls and the uppermost edges of the lower portion side walls to contact each other between those edges.