Centralized Appliance Hub for Structures Without Drop Ceilings
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional climate control systems are cost-prohibitive due to high electricity usage and require complex installation, making them unsuitable for structures without drop ceilings, which pose challenges in sound propagation, lighting, and hiding wiring and ducting.
Innovation Solution
The appliance hub integrates sound-absorbing substrates with climate control, lighting, fire suppression, and electrical components, featuring pre-engineered connection structures for easy installation and integration with existing building systems, allowing for centralized management and reduced installation costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by stationary object
If traditional climate control systems (VAV/CAV) are installed, then climate control function is provided, but electricity usage and installation costs become prohibitively high
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple building systems (climate control, lighting, sound absorption, fire suppression) into a single integrated ceiling hub unit. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate VAV/CAV systems, reducing electricity consumption for air movement while lowering installation and maintenance costs through unified deployment.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling hub is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously provides climate control, lighting, acoustic treatment, and fire suppression capabilities. This universal approach replaces multiple specialized systems, thereby reducing overall energy consumption and simplifying installation infrastructure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional climate control systems are installed in structures without drop ceilings, then climate control is provided, but installation complexity and costs increase due to custom-fitting requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into modular ceiling hub units that can be independently installed in various locations. Each unit is a self-contained module that can be adapted to different ceiling types (including exposed beam structures) without requiring complex custom-fitting of entire climate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling hubs are pre-engineered with integrated connection structures and pre-assembled components that facilitate straightforward installation. The modular design allows for preliminary configuration before installation, eliminating the need for complex on-site custom-fitting of wiring, ducting, and piping.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sound-absorbing materials are added to improve acoustic performance, then acoustic performance is enhanced, but installation complexity and aesthetic flexibility are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Sound-absorbing materials are integrated directly into the ceiling hub structure, combining acoustic treatment with the functional housing. This eliminates the need for separate acoustic panel installation, maintaining aesthetic flexibility while simplifying the overall installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling hub utilizes composite construction that incorporates sound-absorbing materials as an integral part of the unit's structure. This composite approach provides acoustic performance while maintaining a unified aesthetic appearance and simplifying installation compared to adding separate acoustic treatments.
Data Source
AI summary
An appliance hub for use in an upper portion of an enclosure can include a substrate configured to be positioned in an upper portion of an enclosure. The appliance hub can include a climate control apparatus mounted on the substrate and the climate control apparatus can be configured to regulate a temperature within the enclosure. The appliance hub can include one or more lighting elements configured to provide light within the enclosure, a plurality of fluid lines connected to the substrate and configured to provide fluid service and return to the climate control apparatus, and/or a plurality of electrical connections connected to the substrate and configured to provide electrical power and/or data to at least one of the climate control apparatus and the one or more lighting elements.