Trim Strip System with Splice Plate for Ceiling Panels
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a component to trim or finish the edges of pan-shaped suspended ceiling panels that are exposed, particularly where the ceiling is interrupted for lighting or other utilities, as existing solutions fail to provide a seamless and distortion-free integration with the grid and panel edges.
Innovation Solution
A trim strip with a unique configuration that attaches to a grid member, featuring a splice plate for miter and butt joints, which locks securely without tools, ensuring no distortion to the finished face by applying locking forces to remote areas, thus concealing the grid and panel edges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a trim strip is used to conceal grid members and panel edges, then the visual integration and aesthetic appearance are improved, but the complexity of the device increases due to the need for specialized components and assembly mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The trim strip merges multiple functions into a single component: it conceals the grid member, conceals the panel edge, and provides a mounting surface for the splice plate. This integration reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall assembly while achieving the desired visual integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The splice plate acts as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between trim strip sections. It provides a standardized interface for miter and butt joints, making the assembly process simpler despite the complexity of the trim strip itself.
2Ease of operation
If locking tabs are used to secure the splice plate to trim strip ends, then the ease of operation is improved by enabling tool-free assembly, but the risk of distorting the finished face increases due to locking forces applied near the visible surface
Solution Approach 1:
The locking tabs engage with the trim strip from the rear dimension rather than from the front face. This spatial arrangement allows the locking force to be applied at a distance from the visible surface, preventing distortion of the finished face while still securing the splice plate effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into separate locking tabs that can be independently positioned and deployed. This allows the locking force to be distributed to specific areas remote from the face, preventing concentration of force that could cause distortion while maintaining ease of operation.
3Shape
If the trim strip is proportioned to match the depth of ceiling panels, then the visual integration is improved, but the adaptability decreases when ceiling panel depths vary
Solution Approach 1:
The trim strip design allows for parameter changes in its dimensional specifications. By adjusting the depth and profile parameters of the trim strip to match different ceiling panel depths, the same basic design can be adapted to various ceiling configurations while maintaining visual integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The trim strip is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple ceiling panel depths through parameter variations. The standardized interface with the grid member and the splice plate connection system allow the same design framework to be applied across different ceiling configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
In combination, extruded aluminum trim strips joined end-to-end and a splice plate, the trim strips together, the trim strip cross-sections including a web and a pair of opposed angles, the angles and web forming a track for receiving a mid-section of the splice plate with a close sliding fit, the splice plate having lever tabs at opposite ends, notches at sides of the plate, the plate being disposed in the tracks of both lengths of trim strips, the lever tabs and associated edges of the lever tabs formed by the notches being outside of the tracks, the associated edge being arranged in a locking manner with outer surfaces of the angles as a result of the lever tabs being bent in place towards the web.