Integrated Ceiling Power Module for Plasterboard Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric power supply modules for plasterboard ceilings and walls require specific provisions and supports, resulting in complex installations and a noticeable visual impact, while also being costly and difficult to reconfigure.
Innovation Solution
An electric power supply module with a profiled element and dielectric supports integrated into plasterboard-like panels, allowing for easy installation without additional brackets or supports, with a minimal visual impact and similar thickness to traditional plasterboard, using adhesive coupling and flexible wiring configurations for efficient appliance connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing flush-mount tracks are installed in plasterboard ceilings, then electrical power supply is achieved, but the installation requires specific provisions in the ceiling structure and additional brackets/supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the track body and support structure into a single integrated unit. The profiled element itself forms the supporting structure that can be directly mounted to the ceiling without separate brackets, combining functions that were previously separate into one component.
Solution Approach 2:
The track module is designed to be universally applicable to different ceiling types including plasterboard, false ceilings, and solid ceilings. The same module can be installed using different methods (surface mounting or recessed installation) without requiring different hardware, making it multi-functional across various installation scenarios.
2Ease of operation
If existing tracks are mounted on ceilings, then electrical appliances can be powered, but the visual impact is noticeable due to brackets and supports
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible mounting hardware (brackets and supports) from the installation system. By integrating the support function into the track body itself and enabling direct ceiling mounting, the solution removes the separate visible support elements that previously compromised aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The track can be installed in a recessed manner where the profiled element is nested within the ceiling structure. The lateral laminas are received in recesses of the plasterboard panels, allowing the track to be hidden within the ceiling rather than protruding from it.
3Strength
If existing tracks require brackets and supports for installation, then structural support is achieved, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure and track body are merged into a single integrated component. The profiled element includes integrated mounting features that provide structural support without requiring separate brackets, reducing the number of parts to install while maintaining mounting strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The track module is pre-assembled with all necessary mounting features integrated into the profiled element itself. The lateral laminas are pre-positioned to be received in ceiling recesses, and the electrical supports are pre-installed within the track body, eliminating the need for on-site assembly of multiple components.
4Shape
If traditional plasterboard panels are used, then a smooth ceiling surface is achieved, but electrical wiring requires separate installation steps
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical power supply function is merged into the plasterboard panel itself through the track module. The profiled element with integrated electrical supports becomes part of the ceiling structure, combining the structural panel function with the electrical distribution function in a single integrated system.
Solution Approach 2:
The track module serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the ceiling, maintains the smooth surface appearance through recessed installation, and delivers electrical power to appliances. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate wiring installation steps while preserving aesthetic quality.
Data Source
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AI summary
An electric power supply module (1) for ceilings (A), walls made of plasterboard and the like, which comprises: at least one profiled element (2) provided with at least one main body (3) which forms a substantially U-shaped compartment (4) and two lateral laminas (5) which lie on a plane that is substantially parallel and proximate to the plane that contains the base (6) of the main body (3); at least one support (7) made of dielectric material, which is coupled inside the compartment (4) along its entire length; at least one wire (8) rigidly coupled to the support (7) along its entire length; at least two panels (9), each of which comprises a respective recess (10) whose shape and dimensions are substantially complementary to those of one of the lateral laminas (5) of the profiled element (2) for its accommodation without protrusion of the lamina (5) from the surface of the panel (9).