Ceiling air conditioning device with supporting structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling air conditioning devices lack a simple and effective method for fastening and stabilizing the air duct and profile element, particularly in ceiling installations, which affects the device's thermal efficiency and installation process.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling air conditioning device featuring an air duct with transversely extending ribs and a support profile system, where the profile element is made of thermally conductive material like aluminum, with a cooling or heating line for temperature control, and a support profile with a tongue and groove mechanism for stabilization and suspension, allowing for secure attachment without visible underside work.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the profile element is made of thermally conductive material like aluminum, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the material strength and stability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidmaterial strength
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support profile is constructed as a composite structure combining aluminum profile elements with wooden blocks. The aluminum provides thermal conductivity for efficient temperature control, while the wooden blocks provide structural strength and stability. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by allowing each material to contribute its advantageous properties in the same structural assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Stability of the object's composition

If a support profile system is added for stabilization, then installation stability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support profile integrates multiple functions into a single structural element: it provides mechanical support, enables suspension from the ceiling, ensures stable installation, and facilitates concealed attachment. By merging these functions into one integrated component rather than using separate elements, the design achieves high stability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it supports the weight of the air conditioning device, provides a mounting structure for the profile element, enables ceiling suspension, and creates space for concealed cable management. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If screws are used to fasten the support profile, then connection strength is improved, but visible damage and scratches occur on the underside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidvisible damage
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is designed to work from the upper side of the profile element rather than the underside. Screws are inserted from above through the support profile into the profile element, reversing the conventional attachment direction. This dimensional change in the attachment approach allows strong mechanical fastening while keeping all fastening operations hidden from the visible ceiling surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The support profile acts as an intermediary element that mediates between the ceiling structure and the profile element. It provides a mounting surface on its upper side for concealed screw attachment, while its lower side remains hidden behind the profile element. This intermediary structure enables strong connections without visible fasteners on the ceiling surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 provides enhanced thermal efficiency through intensive air-rib contact, stable device installation, and concealed attachment, ensuring effective temperature control and aesthetic installation without visible damage or scratches.

Implementation Method 1

The profile element preferably consists of a material with good thermal conductivity, in particular metal, particularly preferably aluminum. At least one line for a tempering medium is provided on the profile element, through which the profile element can be cooled or heated.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

The air that is blown out and, if necessary, the room air that is sucked in by the air flow is thus tempered through intensive contact with the profile element, i.e. usually cooled.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentEP3406975B1Ceiling air conditioning device with supporting structure
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 EMCO KLIMA GMBH
  • EP3406975B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3406975B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3406975B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A ceiling air-conditioning device (1) comprises at least one air duct (14) running in a longitudinal direction (L) for supplying air. At least one profile element (20) with a number of ribs (12) running in the transverse direction (Q) is provided below the air duct (14). At least one line (16) for a tempering medium for tempering the profile element (20) is arranged on the profile element (20). The air duct (14) has a number of outlet openings (30) arranged between the ribs (12). In order to provide a possibility for simple attachment, the profile element (20) has at least one groove (50) running in the longitudinal direction. At least one support profile (40) running in the longitudinal direction (L) is provided, which has at least one tongue (60) for engaging in the groove (50).