Integrated Ceiling Grid Raceway for Wiring Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling grid systems face challenges in efficiently utilizing space due to separate high and low voltage wiring raceways, which require extensive on-site installation, increase construction time, and hinder maintenance access.
Innovation Solution
A grid system with interconnected grid elements featuring an upper raceway accessible from above, allowing for independent high and low voltage wiring management, reducing the need for additional cable trays and enabling pre-factory wiring installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate raceways are used for high voltage and low voltage wiring above the ceiling, then wiring protection and organization are improved, but space utilization deteriorates and maintenance access becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines separate high voltage and low voltage raceways into a single integrated raceway structure within the grid element. This merging allows both wiring types to be protected together while reducing the total space occupied compared to separate raceways, directly resolving the contradiction between wiring protection and space utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated raceway serves multiple functions: it protects both high voltage and low voltage wiring, provides organized routing for both wire types, and maintains accessibility for maintenance. This multi-functionality allows a single structure to replace multiple separate raceways, improving space utilization while maintaining wiring protection.
2Reliability
If separate raceways are used for high voltage and low voltage wiring, then wiring organization is improved, but installation cost and time increase due to on-site installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables wiring to be pre-installed in the integrated raceway during factory manufacturing of the grid element, before the ceiling system is installed on-site. This preliminary action eliminates the need for time-consuming on-site wiring installation, directly reducing construction time while maintaining wiring organization through the integrated raceway design.
3Device complexity
If raceways are located at the bottom of grid elements, then grid element structure is simplified, but accessibility for wiring installation and maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the raceway from the bottom of the grid element to the top surface, representing a dimensional change in location. This top-surface positioning allows wiring to be accessed and installed from above the ceiling, significantly improving accessibility for both installation and maintenance while maintaining structural simplicity through the integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If wiring is installed on site after ceiling system installation, then flexibility in ceiling design is improved, but installation cost increases and wiring is easily disturbed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables wiring to be pre-installed in the raceway during factory manufacturing of the grid element. This preliminary wiring installation reduces on-site installation costs and minimizes the risk of wiring disturbance during ceiling installation, while the integrated raceway design maintains ceiling design flexibility through its modular grid element structure.
Data Source
AI summary
A grid system for supporting a suspended ceiling and ceiling mounted equipment includes a plurality of grid elements which are interconnected in a orthogonal grid pattern. The grid elements have a wire raceway located at their upper end which is accessible from above the grid element. Flanges located at lower portions of the grid elements engage the equipment supported by the grid system.