Cooling Ceiling Element Layout With Protected Fluid Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling elements for heated/chilled ceilings are difficult to handle and store due to the sensitivity of cooling fluid connection sections, which can be damaged during handling and storage.
Innovation Solution
The cooling fluid connection sections are integrated within the contour of the ceiling element, protected in recesses, and easily accessible for separation into modules, with recesses and webs enhancing stability and accessibility, and using a plastic hose made of cross-linked polyethylene for improved handling and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If cooling fluid connection sections are arranged to protrude laterally beyond the ceiling element contour, then they are easily accessible for connection, but they are damaged during handling and storage
Solution Approach 1:
The cooling fluid connection sections are nested within recesses in the carrier layer, allowing them to be accessible from the groove side while being protected by the carrier layer structure. This nesting arrangement prevents damage during handling and storage while maintaining accessibility for connection operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection sections are positioned within the plane of the ceiling element rather than protruding laterally, changing the spatial arrangement from three-dimensional protrusion to two-dimensional integration within the element contour. This dimensional repositioning protects the connections while maintaining accessibility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ceiling element is subdivided into multiple ceiling modules, then flexibility of installation is improved, but handling and storage becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling element is segmented into multiple ceiling modules that can be separated at defined separation lines. This segmentation allows flexible installation configurations while each module maintains protected cooling fluid connections, balancing adaptability with handling ease.
3Reliability
If recesses are made deeper to better protect cooling fluid connection sections, then protection is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier layer has different local qualities: recessed areas for protecting cooling fluid connections and non-recessed webs for structural stability. This localized differentiation provides adequate protection without requiring deep recesses throughout the entire structure, maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
4Quantity of substance
If the carrier layer is made thinner to reduce material usage, then cost is reduced, but stability in recess areas deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier layer thickness is locally optimized with recesses providing protection where needed while webs maintain structural stability. This local quality variation allows thinner overall material usage while preserving stability in critical recess areas through the protective structure.
Data Source
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AI summary
A ceiling/floor element (1) for a heating/cooling ceiling/floor for cooling rooms has precisely one line element (4) for accommodating a cooling fluid. The line element (4) is arranged in at least one carrier layer (5). At least one insulating layer (7) provides heat-insulating covering of the carrier layer (5) on one side. The ceiling/floor element (1) has a plurality of cooling-fluid-line portions, which occupy adjacent surface-area portions (14, 16, 18, 20) of the ceiling/floor element (1). Adjacent cooling-fluid-line portions are connected to one another via peripheral cooling-fluid connecting portions (15, 17, 19, 21). The cooling-fluid connecting portions (15, 17, 19, 21) are arranged such that, in the state in which they connect the cooling-fluid-line portions, they do not project laterally beyond the ceiling/floor element (1). In the region of the cooling-fluid connecting portions (15, 17, 19, 21), the carrier layer (5) has apertures via which the cooling-fluid connecting portions (15, 17, 19, 21) are accessible from the periphery of the ceiling/floor element (1). This provides a ceiling/floor element which is relatively straightforward to handle and, in particular, can be transported and stored with relatively low outlay. It is readily possible for the ceiling/floor element to be subdivided into individual ceiling/floor modules (32).