Ceiling Mount Connection Device for Electrical Cables
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing methods for installing electric devices like lighting fixtures and fans at ceilings are time-consuming and require additional tools, as they necessitate drilling holes in concrete ceilings and involve challenging positioning for installers, especially when working with ladders.
Innovation Solution
A connection device with a supporting element and a foldable anchor that allows for secure fastening without pre-drilling, featuring a slot for a ceiling fastener and a protruding portion to retain the fastener head, enabling easier installation by allowing the cable and fastener to enter through a single opening, and an anchor that expands to suspend the fastener from the ceiling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening methods with bolts or screws are used on concrete ceilings, then secure fastening is achieved, but pre-drilling holes is required which is time-consuming and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the conventional bolt-screw-anchor system and integrates it into a self-contained ceiling hanger assembly that attaches to the ceiling structure without requiring pre-drilled holes. The hanger assembly includes a mounting plate with fastening elements that can be attached to the ceiling structure directly, eliminating the need for separate drilling and anchor installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling hanger assembly is pre-assembled with all necessary fastening components before installation. The mounting plate, fastening elements, and electrical device mounting components are prepared in advance as an integrated unit, allowing for quick installation without requiring multiple separate steps or additional tools during the installation process.
2Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but the installer must stand on a ladder and work above head level which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling hanger assembly incorporates dynamic fastening elements that allow for adjustment and securing from various angles. The mounting plate and fastening components are designed to accommodate installation from different positions, reducing the strict requirement for the installer to work exclusively from above head level while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting plate is designed with multiple attachment points and versatile fastening mechanisms that can accommodate different installation scenarios and ceiling structures. This multi-functionality allows the assembly to be securely attached whether installed from above, from the side, or with assistance from below, making the installation process more accessible and easier to perform.
3Reliability
If conventional fastening methods are used, then secure mounting is achieved, but switching tools and repositioning is required which extends installation time
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling hanger assembly merges the mounting plate, fastening elements, electrical device mounting components, and cable management features into a single integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need to switch between multiple separate tools and components during installation, reducing complexity while maintaining secure mounting through the integrated fastening system.
4Reliability
If separate fastening and electrical connection components are used, then secure attachment and electrical connection are achieved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling hanger assembly integrates both the mechanical fastening components (mounting plate, fastening elements) and electrical connection components (terminals, cable access) into a single unified assembly. This integration allows both secure attachment and electrical connection to be achieved simultaneously through one installation process, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability of both functions.
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
This solution simplifies the installation process by eliminating the need for pre-drilled holes and reducing the time and effort required, ensuring a fast and secure fastening of electric devices to concrete ceilings without the need for additional tools or complex positioning.
Implementation Method 1
The anchor comprises a foldable structure having at least two positions; the first position for an installation phase, configured to fit in a ceiling opening for the electric cable; the second position comprising an expanded form that is larger than the diameter of the ceiling opening, configured to suspend the ceiling fastener from the ceiling.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2~3
AI summary
A connection device (1) and a system for installing a connection device (1) for an electrical device at a ceiling, comprising a ceiling fastener (12) and an anchor (13) for anchoring the ceiling fastener (12) to the ceiling. The connection device (1) comprises a connection interface for receiving an electric cable (2), a connection interface for providing electric power to the electrical device (3), and a supporting element (4) configured to be connected to a ceiling structure and to support the electrical device. The anchor (13) comprises a foldable structure having at least two positions. The connection device (1) comprises an opening (5) for receiving the electric cable and a ceiling fastener (12) from the ceiling structure; the opening (5) comprising a slot (6) in the supporting element (4) for slidably receiving the body of a ceiling fastener (12), and the slot (6) comprising a fixing portion (7) smaller than the head of the ceiling fastener (12), said portion of the supporting element (4) being configured to suspend the connection device (1) from the head of the ceiling fastener (12).