Ceiling-Track Pivot Structure for Adjustable Equipment Suspension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for suspending equipment like movie screens from ceiling tracks are cumbersome, often requiring bulky stands that occupy valuable floor space and create tripping hazards, while wall-mounted solutions are expensive and require specialized skills.
Innovation Solution
A pivot structure with a housing, spindle, and adjustable brakes allows for secure, quick attachment of equipment to ceiling tracks, enabling adjustable suspension and angle adjustment without the need for bulky stands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If bulky stands with extended legs are used to support movie screens, then stability is improved, but floor space is occupied and tripping hazards are created
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions the support structure from the horizontal plane (floor stands with extended legs) to the vertical dimension (ceiling suspension system). By anchoring the screen support to the ceiling track and using a pivot structure that extends downward, the system eliminates the need for floor space while maintaining stability through overhead support.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the support function from the floor level and relocates it to the ceiling level. The bulky stand structure with extended legs is completely removed, and only the essential screen support function remains, suspended from the ceiling track through the pivot structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If wall-mounted brackets are used to support video screens, then stable mounting is achieved, but cost increases and specialized skills are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes an existing ceiling track system that can serve multiple purposes (suspending curtains, room dividers, and now video screens). The pivot structure is designed to work with standard ceiling tracks, making it a universal solution that doesn't require specialized wall-mounted brackets or complex installation procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The pivot structure incorporates self-adjusting features including automatic leveling mechanisms and easy-lock positioning that allow installation without specialized skills. The design enables users to independently adjust and secure the screen mounting without requiring professional installation expertise.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable suspension mechanisms are implemented, then positioning flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot structure incorporates a dynamic pivot mechanism that allows the screen support to rotate and adjust to different angles and positions. This dynamic capability provides positioning flexibility while maintaining relatively simple construction through the use of a straightforward pivot joint rather than complex adjustable mechanisms.
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 solution provides stable, space-efficient suspension of equipment, reducing clutter and the risk of tripping hazards while allowing easy setup and adjustment.
Implementation Method 1
a housing comprising a bearing; a spindle being rotatable within said bearing about a spindle axis
Implementation Method 2
a first brake comprising a first concavity contacting said spindle to discourage rotation of said spindle when said first brake is in a first locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot structure as part of a framework for temporarily suspending equipment such as a movie screen from a ceiling track can include an oblong beam adjustably mounted to the track. The pivot structure can include a housing having a cylindrical bearing for rotatively mounting a spindle. A pair of separately actuatable brakes can clamp the spindle in a locked position. Each brake can include a barrel having a concavity in its outer cylindrical surface which when driven against the spindle discourages its rotation.