Ceiling Holder With Inward Step For Module Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for mounting functional modules on ceilings fail to balance speed, precision, and minimal damage to the ceiling surface, often resulting in suboptimal finishes where the module is not seamlessly integrated.

Innovation Solution

A holder design with an obliquely extending outer surface and an inward step on its inner surface, combined with leaf springs for secure clamping and a positioning plate for precise placement, ensures rapid and accurate installation with minimal risk of damage, allowing for a sleek and meticulous finish.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the holder is designed with a simple flat inner surface for mounting the functional module, then the installation process is simple, but the precision of module placement and the sleekness of the finish are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimplicity of installationVSAvoidprecision of module placement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder inner surface is pre-configured with an upward extension and an inward step that protrudes into the ceiling opening. This preliminary geometric feature acts as a built-in positioning guide that automatically aligns and locates the functional module during insertion, eliminating the need for complex external positioning mechanisms while ensuring precise placement and a sleek finished appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the holder inner surface extends upward significantly to provide a mounting surface, then the module can be mounted securely, but contaminants may accumulate in the corner creating a messy finish

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mounting of moduleVSAvoidcontaminant accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The solution introduces a third geometric dimension by adding the inward step that protrudes radially into the ceiling opening from the upward-extending holder inner surface. This creates a L-shaped profile that simultaneously provides secure mounting contact area while directing contaminants away from visible corners, as the step creates a drainage path for paint and plaster materials.

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

3Shape

If the holder is designed with a sleek profile where substantially only the functional module is visible, then the aesthetic finish is improved, but the holder structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesleekness of ceiling finishVSAvoidcomplexity of holder structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is designed with differentiated local geometries: the outer surface maintains a simple sleek profile that is substantially invisible from the room side, while the inner surface features localized complexity with the upward extension and inward step. This local quality differentiation achieves the aesthetic goal of a clean ceiling finish while providing the necessary structural features for precise module mounting and contaminant management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4067737A1Step depth
Publication Date: 2022.10.05 B LIGHTED BV
  • EP4067737A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4067737A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP4067737A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

Holder (1) for mounting a functional module (32) on a ceiling (21), wherein the holder (1) has a holder outer surface (3) with outer dimensions suitable for fitting in a ceiling opening (22) in the ceiling (21), wherein the holder (1) has a holder inner surface (2) which defines a holder opening (5) suitable for mounting the functional module (32) in, and wherein the holder inner surface (2) and the holder outer surface (3) converge at the position of a lower acute edge (8) of the holder (1), wherein the holder outer surface (3) extends upward obliquely and outward from the lower acute edge (8) and wherein the holder inner surface (2) extends upward from the lower acute edge (8) over at least 2 mm and then has an inward step (11) before extending further upward.