Threaded Ceiling Grid Member for Heavy Loads and 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 while allowing easy removal or re-positioning, necessitating enhanced strength and secure yet removable attachment solutions.
Innovation Solution
Elongated ceiling grid members with threaded upper and lower portions, middle portions with curved side walls, and connectors that enhance structural integrity and include ceiling tile hold down clips for secure tile retention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the ceiling grid members are designed to support ever increasing loads, then the load-bearing capacity is improved, but the structural complexity and weight of the grid members increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling grid member is divided into an upper portion with threaded side walls and a lower portion with curved side walls. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function: the upper portion provides threaded engagement for connectors while the lower portion provides tile retention features, achieving high load-bearing capacity without requiring the entire member to be overly complex or heavy.
2Strength
If apparatus are added to retain ceiling tiles securely against large upward forces, then the tile retention strength is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tile retention features are merged directly into the lower portion side walls of the ceiling grid member itself, rather than being separate apparatus. The curved side walls with integrated tile retention features provide secure tile retention while maintaining simplicity, as the retention mechanism is built into the structural member rather than being an add-on component.
Solution Approach 2:
The lower portion side walls are given a different local quality (curved geometry with tile retention features) compared to the upper portion side walls (threaded geometry). This local differentiation allows the grid member to provide both structural support and tile retention functions without requiring complex apparatus throughout the entire member.
3Ease of operation
If the ceiling grid members are designed for easy removal or re-positioning of ceiling tiles, then the ease of operation is improved, but the tile retention strength may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The lower portion side walls are designed with curved geometry that provides dynamic interaction with ceiling tiles. The curved features allow tiles to be easily inserted and removed while still providing secure retention during normal use, achieving both ease of operation and adequate retention strength through the geometric design rather than mechanical fastening.
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) configured 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.