Ceiling Mounting Plate With Spacers For Precise Holder Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for mounting functional modules, such as light fixtures, on ceilings fail to balance speed and precision, often resulting in incomplete or damaged finishes due to the lack of effective positioning and clamping solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a holder with leaf springs and a positioning plate that allows for precise placement and secure clamping within a ceiling opening, using spacers to adjust for varying ceiling thicknesses and minimizing contact with finishing materials, combined with a mounting spring for secure module fixation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a holder is directly inserted into a ceiling opening without a positioning plate, then the installation process is simpler, but the positioning precision deteriorates and the holder cannot be accurately positioned at the predetermined location
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning plate with spacers is introduced as an intermediary tool between the holder and the ceiling opening. The positioning plate with attached spacers is inserted into the ceiling opening first, serving as a guide and positioner. The holder is then positioned relative to this plate, ensuring precise location while simplifying the overall installation process through this mediating component.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning plate with spacers is prepared and inserted into the ceiling opening before the holder is installed. This preliminary action establishes the correct position and orientation, allowing the holder to be accurately positioned subsequently without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms during the main installation process.
2Reliability
If the holder is clamped tightly to ensure secure fixation, then the reliability of mounting improves, but the ceiling surface (especially finishing materials) may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
Spacers with a height greater than the ceiling thickness are used as a cushioning element between the positioning plate and the ceiling opening. These spacers absorb the clamping force, preventing direct transmission of high stress to the ceiling surface and protecting finishing materials from damage while still ensuring reliable holder fixation.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacers are designed with specific height parameters exceeding the ceiling thickness, creating a controlled deformation zone. This parameter change allows the system to accommodate variations in ceiling thickness while maintaining consistent clamping force and protecting the ceiling surface from excessive stress.
3Shape
If the holder is positioned close to the ceiling surface for a sleek finish, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the holder becomes difficult to position accurately and may contact finishing materials during clamping
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning plate with spacers serves as a mediator that establishes the correct position of the holder relative to the ceiling opening. The spacers, being taller than the ceiling thickness, extend beyond the ceiling surface and provide a reference level for accurate positioning, ensuring the holder is correctly located while maintaining the desired aesthetic finish.
4Productivity
If traditional mounting methods are used without a positioning plate and spacers, then the device complexity is lower, but the installation time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning plate with spacers is pre-assembled and prepared before installation. During the mounting process, this pre-prepared component is inserted into the ceiling opening and immediately provides positioning reference, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurements and adjustments that would otherwise be required, thus increasing installation speed despite the added component.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning plate with spacers and the holder work together as a self-positioning system. Once the positioning plate is inserted into the ceiling opening, the holder can be automatically positioned at the correct location and orientation through the guide features of the plate, reducing the need for manual adjustment and speeding up the installation process.
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 rapid and precise installation of functional modules with minimal damage to the ceiling, ensuring a sleek finish where only the module is visible, while allowing for easy maintenance and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
clamping the holder in the ceiling opening with at least one leaf spring in order to secure the holder in the ceiling opening
Implementation Method 2
combined with a mounting spring for secure module fixation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2C
Figure 3A~3B
AI summary
Method for placing a holder (1) in a ceiling (21), wherein the method comprises the steps of: - providing a ceiling opening (22) with predetermined dimensions in the ceiling (21); - providing a holder (1) with outer dimension suitable for fitting in the ceiling opening (22); - connecting the holder (1) to a positioning plate (23) with outer dimensions which are considerably greater than the predetermined dimensions of the ceiling opening (22); - inserting the holder (1) into the ceiling opening (22) until the positioning plate (23) touches the ceiling (21), all this such that the holder (1) is brought into a predetermined position; wherein in the predetermined position the holder (1) protrudes from the ceiling (21) over a predetermined distance measured between a ceiling surface and a lower edge of the holder (1); - clamping the holder (1) in the ceiling opening (22) in order to secure the holder (1) in the ceiling opening (22); - removing the positioning plate (23) from the holder (1).