Translucent Ceiling Panel Frame Resists Inward Bowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Translucent wall or ceiling panels face issues with inward bowing due to tensioned membranes, limiting panel size and requiring mechanisms to prevent frame deflection, while maintaining a visually seamless light transmission effect.
Innovation Solution
A perimeter frame with connected frame members featuring a stepped profile, diagonal arms, and stiffening members to oppose inward bowing, secured with torsion springs and butterfly clips, allowing panels to be securely attached to a grid system without visible structural elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the translucent membranes are tensioned across the perimeter frame, then the membranes are securely held in place, but the perimeter frame bends inward due to tension force
Solution Approach 1:
The perimeter frame is divided into multiple frame members that can independently deflect inward without causing the entire frame to bow. This segmentation allows localized flexibility while maintaining overall structural integrity, resolving the contradiction between securing tensioned membranes and preventing frame deflection.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed with different properties at different locations - the outwardly stepped edge provides a secure anchoring point for the membrane, while the inwardly projecting stiffening member provides localized reinforcement. This local differentiation allows the frame to securely hold membranes while resisting inward bowing forces.
2Productivity
If the panel size is increased to reduce the number of panels needed, then productivity improves, but the frame bending issue becomes more severe
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the frame into multiple frame members with individual stiffening capabilities, the patent enables larger panel sizes without excessive frame bending. Each frame member can independently manage the tension forces, allowing for larger overall panel dimensions while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members combine materials or structural elements with different properties - the main frame body provides flexibility while the inwardly projecting stiffening members (potentially made of different material or cross-sectional geometry) provide localized rigidity. This composite approach enables larger panels by distributing and managing tension forces more effectively.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanism is added to oppose inward bowing, then frame stability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stiffening function is merged into the frame members themselves through the inwardly projecting stiffening members, rather than being a separate additional mechanism. This integration provides frame stability while minimizing added complexity, as the stiffening elements are part of the basic frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame members are designed to automatically resist inward bowing through their inherent geometry - the inwardly projecting stiffening members create a structural configuration that naturally opposes bending forces. This self-service approach provides stability without requiring external control mechanisms or complex active systems.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the frame structure is made more robust to prevent bending, then frame stability improves, but the visual effect of seamless light transmission is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The frame members provide structural reinforcement only at specific locations (inwardly projecting stiffening members) rather than throughout the entire frame. This localized approach maintains frame stability while minimizing the visual impact on light transmission, as the reinforcement is concentrated in areas less critical for visual appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The stiffening function is extracted from the main visible frame structure and placed in inwardly projecting elements that are less visible from the exterior. This separation allows the primary frame structure to remain visually clean for seamless light transmission while the extracted stiffening members provide the necessary structural support.
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 effectively limits inward bowing, enables larger panel sizes, and ensures concealed grid systems, maintaining a visually uniform light transmission effect by using extruded aluminum frame members with diagonal and curved segments to distribute tension and secure membranes.
Implementation Method 1
the tension state of the membranes across the perimeter frame
Implementation Method 2
inwardly projecting stiffening member joining said outward stepped edge and the securing edge and shaped to oppose inward bowing of the frame member
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling panel according to the present invention has opposed translucent membranes secured in a tensioned state across a perimeter frame. The frame includes frame members that are designed to oppose inward bowing of the perimeter frame caused by the tensioned membranes. The frame members have a side profile shaped to conceal a grid support network with the lower translucent member extending across and about a lower edge of the perimeter frame. The invention also includes a modified structure for supporting of translucent panels below a grid network.