Ceiling Mounting System with Elastic Spring Restraint
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling mounting systems for heavier or vibrating devices require excessive manual force, posing a risk of injury and compromising the device's stability due to the need for manual manipulation of constant force springs.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling mounting system utilizing elastic members, such as constant force springs, that are restrained by removable guides or channels, allowing easy insertion and secure engagement with the ceiling without manual manipulation, providing balanced support and damping vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If constant force springs are used to hold heavier devices, then the holding force is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to inability to manually unfurl the springs
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate components: the device body, the constant force springs, and removable restraining members. This segmentation allows the springs to be pre-loaded and restrained separately, then easily attached to the device without requiring manual unfurling of high-force springs during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The constant force springs are pre-loaded and restrained in a low-profile configuration before installation. The restraining members are pre-attached to the device body, allowing the springs to be ready for immediate engagement once the device is inserted into the ceiling aperture, eliminating the need for manual manipulation during installation.
2Reliability
If constant force springs are used to hold heavier devices, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to risk of injury from excessive force
Solution Approach 1:
The restraining members act as intermediaries between the installer and the high-force constant force springs. These members provide a safe interface for manipulating the springs during installation and removal, allowing the installer to control the release and engagement of the springs without direct hand contact, thereby eliminating injury risk while maintaining mounting reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The restraining members are designed to control the release of spring force in a controlled manner. By providing a mechanical interface that manages the force release, the system cushions against sudden or uncontrolled spring expansion that could cause injury, while still ensuring reliable engagement when needed.
3Ease of operation
If elastic members are restrained with low profile, then the ease of operation is improved during insertion, but the force application deteriorates when restraining members are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic members are designed to dynamically transition between two states: a restrained low-profile state during insertion that minimizes the device width, and an unrestrained extended state after restraining member removal that maximizes the holding force. This dynamic transformation allows the system to optimize for different operational phases without compromise.
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
The system enables safe and easy installation and removal of devices, providing a secure hold with adjustable force, reducing the risk of injury and loosening of components due to vibration, while maintaining a low profile and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastic members mounted on the body configurable in a restrained position and an engaging position
Data Source
AI summary
A device suitable for mounting in a ceiling aperture in a ceiling is provided. The device comprises a body having a front end and defining a longitudinal axis perpendicular to the front end. The device further comprises a flange that extends laterally beyond the body at the front end. The device further comprises one or more elastic members mounted on the body, each elastic member being configurable in a restrained position and an engaging position. The device further comprises a respective guide on the body associated with each elastic member, each guide being configured to receive a restraining member that urges the respective elastic member into the restrained position when the restraining member is inserted into the guide, and wherein the respective elastic member is released into the engaging position when the restraining member is removed from the guide, wherein each elastic member extends laterally beyond the body in the engaging position.