Ceiling Panel Wireless Control via Conductive Bus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suspended ceiling systems are difficult to change or reconfigure due to the need for extensive wiring and fixed electrical connections, limiting flexibility and customization for accessories like lights and speakers.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling panel system with spaced conductive structures and wireless communication capabilities, allowing application modules to engage multiple locations and receive power and control signals wirelessly, enabling easy reconfiguration and control of accessories without independent wireless connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical wires are run to each panel for lights and accessories, then power can be delivered to permanently wired-in accessories, but the system becomes difficult to change or reconfigure and requires extensive wiring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ceiling system into modular panels, each with integrated conductive structures. Application modules can be independently attached to different panels, allowing the system to be segmented and reconfigured without affecting the entire wiring infrastructure. Each panel operates as an independent unit with its own power distribution capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication as an intermediary for control signals. Instead of requiring physical wiring for each accessory, the system uses wireless transmission to deliver control commands from a controller to application modules. This intermediary approach maintains power delivery through conductive structures while eliminating the need for extensive control wiring.
2Reliability
If electrical wires are run to each panel for lights and accessories, then power can be delivered to permanently wired-in accessories, but the wiring requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges power delivery and control functions into a unified system. Conductive structures in the ceiling panels provide both power transmission and wireless communication capabilities. By combining these functions, the system reduces the total amount of wiring material needed, as control signals are transmitted wirelessly rather than through separate control wires.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical wiring system for control signals with an electromagnetic wireless communication system. Instead of running physical wires to each accessory for control purposes, the system uses wireless transmission through the conductive structures, thereby reducing the quantity of wiring material required while maintaining reliable control capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If application modules can engage multiple locations, then interchangeability and customization are improved, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates universal application modules that can function at multiple ceiling panel locations. Each module is designed with standardized attachment features and wireless communication capabilities, allowing it to be interchangeably installed at any panel location without requiring location-specific wiring or configuration. This universality simplifies the overall system despite the increased flexibility.
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
Facilitates simple interchangeability and customization of ceiling panel systems by allowing wireless control of multiple accessories through a single connection, reducing logistical and financial burdens associated with extensive wiring.
Implementation Method 1
A wireless receiver is configured to receive a wireless command
Implementation Method 2
a first contact configured to engage the first conductive structure and a second contact configured to engage the second conductive structure, where the first and second contacts are configured to electrically connect to the panel assembly to deliver power
Implementation Method 3
the attachment feature includes a magnet arranged to bias the respective application module against the ceiling surface of the panel assembly
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling panel system includes a panel assembly having a ceiling surface and first and second conductive structures spaced from each other and a first application module configured to engage one of a plurality of locations disposed over the ceiling surface. The first application module includes a wireless receiver, a first contact configured to engage the first conductive structure, and a second contact configured to engage the second conductive structure. The first conductive structure delivers power to the application module. The system also includes a second application module configured to engage a different one of the plurality of locations. The first application module is configured to receive at the wireless receiver wireless commands, and, responsive to receiving wireless commands at the wireless receiver, the first application module transmits the received commands over the first conductive structure to the second application module.