Ceiling Mounting Assembly for Screw-Free Device Removal

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mounting systems for ceiling or wall devices face challenges with different ceiling and wall materials, causing damage and difficulty in installation and removal, especially with softer materials and varying thicknesses, and require screws for fixation.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with a ceiling or wall part and a device holding part that uses a combination of linear and rotating movements for removably fixing the device, allowing adjustment of the distance between parts for secure mounting without screws, and can be easily dismounted without removing ceiling tiles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If springs are used to mount the device in the ceiling, then the device can be easily installed, but the ceiling or wall material can be damaged especially with softer materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddamage to ceiling or wall material
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful springs are extracted and replaced with a spring-free mounting mechanism. The patent uses a mounting system with a mounting body that has mounting elements (teeth) that engage with corresponding features in the ceiling or wall, eliminating the need for springs that cause damage to softer materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-based mechanical mounting system is replaced with a tooth-based engagement system. The mounting body features teeth that interlock with corresponding structures in the ceiling or wall, providing secure mounting without the damaging pressure concentration of springs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If springs are used to mount the device, then installation is simple, but removal or replacement of the device causes damage to the hole in the ceiling or wall

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddamage to mounting hole
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful springs are removed from the system entirely. The patent employs a mounting body with teeth that engage with complementary features in the ceiling or wall, allowing the device to be mounted and removed without spring-induced damage to the mounting hole.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a mounting system with locking ridges is used (as in EP 2 622 696), then the system can be mounted to panels of varying thicknesses, but dismounting requires removing ceiling tiles which is time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different ceiling thicknessesVSAvoidtime for dismounting
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is segmented into a mounting body with teeth and a separate device holding part. This segmentation allows the mounting body to remain engaged with the ceiling or wall while the device can be easily attached and detached from the mounting body, enabling quick dismounting without removing ceiling tiles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting body acts as an intermediary between the ceiling or wall and the device. It provides a stable anchor point that remains fixed in the ceiling while allowing the device to be easily attached and removed, solving the time-consuming dismounting issue of previous systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If different mounting methods are used for different ceiling materials, then proper mounting can be achieved, but the complexity of the mounting system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting reliabilityVSAvoidmounting system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting body with its tooth-based engagement system is designed to be universal, working with various ceiling and wall materials including plaster board, metal, concrete, and brick. The same mounting mechanism adapts to different materials and thicknesses without requiring different mounting systems, reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3297110B1Mounting system for ceiling or wall device
Publication Date: 2023.10.18 NIKO NV
  • EP3297110B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3297110B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B
  • EP3297110B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention provides a mounting system (1) for mounting a ceiling or wall device (10), such as e.g. a sensor, a controller, an actuator, lighting means, a speaker or the like, in or on a ceiling or wall (6). The mounting system (1) comprises a ceiling or wall part (2) for being provided in the ceiling or wall (6) and a device holding part (3) for receiving the ceiling or wall device (10). The ceiling or wall part (2) and the device holding part (3) comprise connecting means (4a, 4b) adapted for removably fixing the device holding part (3) to the ceiling or wall part (2) such that, when installed, the ceiling or wall (6) is in between the ceiling or wall part (2) and the device holding part (3). The connecting means (4a, 4b) on the device holding part (3) and the ceiling or wall part (2) comprise a first part (4a) and a second part (4b, 4c) for removably fixing the device holding part (3) to the ceiling or wall part (2) by means of a combination of a linear movement and a rotating movement. A mounting system (1) according to embodiments of the invention can be used for any type of ceiling or wall device (10) that has to be mounted on or in a ceiling or wall (6) of a building and can be used with any type of ceiling or wall (6). Furthermore, the mounting system (1) according to embodiments of the invention can be easily dismounted and removed from the ceiling or wall (6) whenever necessary.