Ceiling element that can be operated for heating or cooling a three-dimensionality, and functional ceiling having such ceiling elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for installing heating/cooling elements in ceilings complicate the planning and modification of additional functional components, such as lighting fixtures, and are labor-intensive for changes in room layout or requirements.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling element with a fastening geometry that supports additional functional elements, allowing flexible and adaptable installation of components like lighting, acoustic, and sensor devices, while also providing heating/cooling functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If heating/cooling elements are arranged in the ceiling area using conventional methods, then the floor area can be kept free of devices, but the planning and installation of additional functional components becomes significantly complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor areaVSAvoidplanning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines heating/cooling elements with additional functional components (lighting fixtures, acoustic elements, sensors) into a single integrated ceiling assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate ceiling arrangements, simplifying planning while maintaining floor space freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: thermal control (heating/cooling), lighting, acoustic treatment, and sensor integration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate systems needed, thereby reducing planning complexity.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional construction methods are used for ceiling installation, then initial installation can be completed, but subsequent modifications are very labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial installationVSAvoidmodification effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling system is divided into modular, interchangeable components that can be independently replaced or reconfigured. This segmentation allows for easy modifications without requiring labor-intensive reconstruction of the entire ceiling system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling assembly incorporates dynamic, adjustable elements that can be reconfigured after installation. This includes adjustable lighting positions, reconfigurable acoustic panels, and movable sensor locations, enabling adaptability without extensive modification work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate functional components are installed in the ceiling area, then each component can perform its specific function, but the number of trades whose work must be coordinated increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidcoordination complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single pre-coordinated ceiling assembly, reducing the number of separate trades needed during installation. The integrated design ensures that electrical, mechanical, and acoustic elements are already compatible, reducing coordination requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Simplifies planning and installation, reduces labor and time for modifications, and prevents damage to heating/cooling equipment by integrating multiple functions into a unified support system.

Implementation Method 1

The ceiling element is designed, after its installation in the ceiling area, to mechanically support the further functional element or elements, either alone or in cooperation with at least one further ceiling element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Force

Implementation Method 2

the ceiling element comprises a mineral fibre board and a gypsum board arranged as a composite

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

heating and/or cooling devices are, for example, designed to be flat overall and may have lines through which a temperature control fluid is conducted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal Conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP4596978A1Ceiling element that can be operated for heating or cooling a three-dimensionality, and functional ceiling having such ceiling elements
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 H4X
  • EP4596978A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4596978A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP4596978A1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The invention relates to a ceiling element (3; 3'; 3") operable to heat or cool a room (100) equipped therewith. The ceiling element is designed for installation in a ceiling area (101) of the room and is constructed with a fastening geometry (43; 43') that enables fastening of a further functional element (4) or several further functional elements (4) to the ceiling element. The ceiling element is designed, after its installation in the ceiling area, to mechanically support the further functional element or elements, either alone or in cooperation with at least one further ceiling element. The invention further relates to a functional ceiling (1; 1') for a room (100), comprising a plurality of such ceiling elements (3; 3'; 3") as well as several support rails (2) and at least one further functional element (4), preferably several further functional elements (4).In the functional ceiling, the support rails are mounted directly or indirectly on a bare ceiling (102) or integrated into a bare ceiling (102). The ceiling elements are arranged next to one another and are each mounted and held on at least two of the support rails. The additional functional element(s) is/are held on the bare ceiling via the ceiling element and the support rails to which the ceiling element is mounted.