Ceiling Mount Cover Retention via Elastomer Ring
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling mounts for medical devices are difficult to install and maintain, with visible mounting screws and a need for tools, which can lead to complex disassembly and unsightly, hard-to-clean connection points.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling mount design featuring an elastomer ring that surrounds the ceiling tube, allowing the cover to be securely positioned against the ceiling without tools, using a pretensioned elastomer ring that presses the cover against the ceiling, eliminating the need for screws and providing a visually appealing and easy-to-clean solution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a mounting screw is used to fix the cover to the support, then the cover is securely fixed, but the mounting screw is visible and obtrusive, and a tool is always required for mounting and removing the cover
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting screw is extracted from the system and replaced with an elastomer ring that provides friction-based retention. This eliminates the need for tools and visible fasteners while maintaining secure fixation of the cover to the support.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical screw connection is replaced with an elastomeric friction-based retention system. The elastomer ring deforms elastically to create frictional forces that hold the cover in place, substituting threaded mechanical engagement with elastic deformation and friction.
2Ease of operation
If a mounting screw is used to fix the cover, then the cover is securely fixed, but the connection points become difficult to clean and unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting screw and its associated connection points are extracted from the design. The cover presents a continuous, smooth surface without visible fasteners or gaps where dirt and moisture could accumulate, improving both appearance and cleanability.
3Reliability
If the cover is securely fixed with screws, then the cover remains in place, but the mechanical strength of the cover may be compromised by penetration holes
Solution Approach 1:
The penetrating screw connection is replaced with a non-penetrating elastomeric retention system. The elastomer ring exerts radial frictional forces on the cover's outer surface without creating holes or compromising the cover's structural integrity, maintaining both retention and strength.
4Ease of repair
If the cover is securely fixed with screws, then the cover remains in place, but complex disassembly is required for maintenance access
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support arm system and mounting hardware are extracted from the maintenance path. The elastomer ring's simple friction-based retention allows direct access to the support arm system without requiring disassembly of complex fastening mechanisms, significantly simplifying maintenance procedures.
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
Enables intuitive and tool-free installation and removal of the cover, enhances mechanical strength, prevents dirt and moisture ingress, and simplifies maintenance access while maintaining a clean and attractive appearance.
Implementation Method 1
an elastomer ring surrounding the ceiling tube and placed against the cover is provided, wherein the elastomer ring is dimensioned so that it lies against the ceiling tube on the lateral surface and is tensioned, and in that the elastomer ring can be positioned on the ceiling tube so that it presses the cover against the ceiling in the mounting position
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling mount for medical devices comprising a support that can be secured to a ceiling. A ceiling tube is longitudinally extended vertically in a mounting position and held on the support. A cover mounted in a fixed position relative to the support and to the ceiling tube for the support is provided. The cover has a pass-through opening for the ceiling tube (2), which is dimensioned slightly larger than an outer dimension of the ceiling tube, and can be placed against the ceiling with a free edge section. An elastomer ring surrounds the ceiling tube and is placed against the cover. The elastomer ring is dimensioned so that it lies against the ceiling tube on the lateral surface and is tensioned. The elastomer ring can be positioned on the ceiling tube so that it presses the cover against the ceiling in the mounting position.