Ceiling Panel Thermal Activation Using Hook-Suspended Metal Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems for thermally activating and fastening ceiling panels are prohibitively expensive, particularly for small installations, making them unaffordable for private customers due to high material and installation costs.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing hook-like means formed by folding metal sheets with holes, allowing for a simplified installation process where the activation module is pivotably suspended and thermally coupled to the ceiling panel, with additional hooks and a pressing mechanism for improved thermal contact and reduced material costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional thermal activation systems are installed using conventional methods, then reliable thermal contact is achieved, but installation costs and material requirements become prohibitively expensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethermal contact reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the fastening function and thermal activation function into a single integrated system. The support rail serves both to mechanically fasten the ceiling panel and to provide thermal activation through integrated heating/cooling channels, eliminating the need for separate fastening materials and simplifying installation while maintaining reliable thermal contact

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The support rail is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously performs mechanical support, fastening, and thermal activation functions. This universal component reduces the total number of parts needed and lowers both material costs and installation complexity while ensuring reliable thermal contact between the panel and activation system

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If complex fastening systems are used to secure ceiling panels, then installation stability is improved, but device complexity and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening and thermal activation functions are merged into a single support rail structure. The rail's design integrates mechanical fastening features with thermal channels, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying the overall system while maintaining installation stability through the unified structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If multiple separate components are used for thermal activation and fastening, then functional reliability is improved, but quantity of materials and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functional reliabilityVSAvoidmaterial quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate components (fastening elements and thermal activation elements) into a single integrated support rail. This consolidation reduces the total quantity of materials required while maintaining system functional reliability through the unified design that performs both fastening and thermal activation functions simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a cost-effective and straightforward installation of thermally activated ceiling panels by reducing material requirements and simplifying the installation process, ensuring good thermal contact and efficient energy transfer.

Implementation Method 1

The activation of ceiling panels, i.e., the installation of a module for heating or cooling the ceiling panel, can be achieved, for example, by means of a pipe register in which a heat transfer fluid is transported, which is in thermal contact with the ceiling panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

by means of a pipe register in which a heat transfer fluid is transported, which is in thermal contact with the ceiling panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

The activation module is pivotably suspended on one of the two support rails and its sheet metal hangs down essentially vertically... ensuring good thermal contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal contact: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentEP3033458B1System for thermal activation and fastening of ceiling panels
Publication Date: 2021.10.27 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3033458B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3033458B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3033458B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a system (10) for thermally activating and suspending a ceiling panel. The system contains a sheet-like thermal activating module (12), which is assigned to the ceiling panel (11) and has a substantially planar metal plate (13); two carrying rails (14, 15) which are assigned to the ceiling panel (11), can be fastened on the ceiling directly or indirectly above the installation position of the ceiling panel (11) and on which the ceiling panel (11) can be fastened; carrying-rail-fastening means (16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21) for fastening the carrying rails (14, 15) on the ceiling; and ceiling-panel-fastening means (22, 23) for fastening the ceiling panel (10) on the carrying rails (14, 15). According to the invention, the system also contains two hook-like means (24, 25), which can be provided in a spaced-apart state on a first peripheral region (12 L) of the activating module (12) and by means of which the activating module (12) can be suspended in a pivotable manner on one of the two carrying rails (14, 15). According to a first alternative, the system may also contain a third hook-like means, which can be provided on a second peripheral region of the activating module, opposite the first peripheral region of the activating module. According to a first alternative, the system may also contain two further hook-like means (26, 27), which can be provided in a spaced-apart state on a second peripheral region (12 R) of the activating module (12), opposite the first peripheral region (12 L) of the activating module (12), and by means of which the activating module (12) can be suspended in a pivotable manner on the other one of the two carrying rails (14, 15).