Ceiling Beam Sliding Mount for Tool-Free Laboratory Unit Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for fastening laboratory media supply installations to ceilings are labor-intensive, require tools, and often necessitate additional drop protection to prevent installations from falling during use.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus comprising a sliding element, a retaining element, and a locking element that allows for the movable fastening of laboratory units to a horizontally extending ceiling beam without tools, incorporating a tilt prevention mechanism and integrated drop protection, enabling secure attachment and movement without trained technicians or additional aids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard commercially available connecting elements (mounting rods and screws) are used to fasten laboratory units, then the fastening is secure, but the installation becomes extremely labor-intensive and requires trained technicians
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus enables non-expert users to install laboratory units themselves through intuitive components: the sliding element automatically engages with the groove, the retaining element provides obvious attachment points, and the locking element can be operated without specialized knowledge. This self-service capability eliminates the need for trained technicians while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening system is divided into distinct functional components: a sliding element for positioning, a retaining element for attachment, and a locking element for securing. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function simply, making the overall system easy to install while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laboratory units are made displaceable using additional tools and lifting apparatus, then movability is achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding element is designed to move freely within the groove of the ceiling beam, allowing the laboratory unit to be displaced to different positions along the beam's length. This dynamic capability provides adaptability without requiring additional lifting apparatus or complex installation aids.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus combines multiple functions in a single integrated system: the sliding element provides both support and movability, the retaining element enables attachment, and the locking element provides secure fastening. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate lifting apparatus and installation aids.
3Reliability
If additional drop protection is added to prevent installations from falling, then safety is improved, but the installation requires a second work step and additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The drop protection function is merged into the locking element itself. When the locking element is engaged, it simultaneously secures the laboratory unit against displacement and prevents it from falling. This integration eliminates the need for separate drop protection components and reduces the installation to a single work step.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element performs multiple safety functions: it prevents lateral displacement, prevents downward movement (drop protection), and secures the laboratory unit in position. This multi-functionality provides comprehensive protection without requiring additional installation steps.
4Ease of manufacture
If a lifting apparatus is used to install laboratory units, then the installation can be performed with tools, but the process becomes more complex and requires additional equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The apparatus is designed to be installed without lifting apparatus or specialized tools. The sliding element can be manually inserted into the groove, the retaining element can be attached by hand, and the locking element can be engaged without mechanical aids. This self-service installation eliminates the need for lifting apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding element acts as an intermediary between the laboratory unit and the ceiling beam, providing a simple interface that requires no complex installation equipment. The groove and sliding element work together as a matched pair that can be installed by direct insertion without lifting apparatus.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for movable fastening of a laboratory unit to a horizontally extending, elongated ceiling beam which is mounted in the region of a room ceiling and has at least one first groove which extends in the lengthwise direction of the ceiling beam. The apparatus includes: (i) a sliding element engageable with the first groove of the ceiling beam such that the apparatus is movable in lengthwise direction of the first groove, wherein a height of the sliding element is substantially equal to a height of an access opening to the groove, (ii) a retaining element for detachably fastening the laboratory unit, and (iii) at least one locking element which can be connected to the ceiling beam such that the apparatus is prevented from moving in the lengthwise direction of the first groove.