3D Hanging Grid Layout for Reconfigurable Overhead Equipment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional suspended ceiling systems are fixed at a given height and not designed for movement, limiting the ability to reconfigure or maintain equipment in work areas efficiently, and do not allow for optimal positioning of lighting, data, and power equipment.
Innovation Solution
A hanging three-dimensional grid system with both manual and motorized lifters that can be raised or lowered, allowing equipment to be positioned optimally above the work area, with software for remote reconfiguration and motorized control, enabling movement along the XY axes and vertical-to-horizontal tilting for improved illumination and equipment organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspended ceiling systems are used, then the ceiling structure is stable and fixed, but the system cannot be moved or reconfigured, limiting workspace flexibility and productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by introducing motorized lifters that enable the suspended ceiling grid system to move vertically along Z-axis and equipment to move along XY-axes. The system transitions from a static fixed structure to a dynamic reconfigurable system, allowing the ceiling to be raised or lowered and equipment to be repositioned remotely via software control, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ceiling system into independent movable components including individual grid sections, equipment holders, and motorized lifters. This segmentation allows different parts of the system to be moved independently, enabling flexible reconfiguration of workspace layout while maintaining overall system stability through modular architecture
2Productivity
If equipment is placed on the work surface, then it is easily accessible, but it occupies valuable work area space, reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dimensionality change principle by moving equipment from the two-dimensional work surface to the three-dimensional suspended ceiling space above. Equipment is mounted on the ceiling grid and can be lowered to accessible positions or raised to storage positions, effectively utilizing vertical Z-axis space to free up horizontal work area while maintaining ease of access through controlled lowering
3Ease of repair
If the ceiling system is fixed at a given height, then installation is simple, but maintenance and reconfiguration require difficult access and shutdowns
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces motorized lifters that provide dynamic height adjustment capability, allowing the ceiling grid and equipment to be easily raised or lowered for maintenance access. This dynamic mechanism simplifies maintenance operations while the software control system manages the complexity of the motorized components, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A hanging three dimensional grid system for lighting, data, and power equipment that can be used to position equipment above the user and away from or otherwise off the surface of their work area for optimum productivity. The grid system may include both manual and motorized lifters, so that the grid system may be raised or lowered for maintenance and configuration changes. Clamps hold equipment and move along the tubing for optimum equipment placement, and motorized equipment lifters raise and lower devices to/from the work area. For the motorized lifters, software is included that communicates with the device across internet connections and gives users the ability to reconfigure their work area remotely, without touching the device.