Crawler Ceiling Unit Suspension for Modular Structures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling suspension systems struggle to provide reliable and accurate positioning and motion on complex ceiling structures with varying geometries, especially in rough terrain or high inclinations, while ensuring secure suspension and efficient load transfer.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling suspension arrangement featuring crawler type ceiling units with suspension elements that utilize de-/coupling kinematics along circumferential tracks, allowing for flexible and accurate motion on ceiling structures with modular components that can be easily set up and scaled, including active and passive motion options.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a ceiling suspension system uses predefined structures with fixed geometry, then the positioning accuracy is improved, but the adaptability to complex ceiling structures with varying geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension system employs dynamically adjustable suspension elements that can adapt their configuration to match complex ceiling geometries. The system transitions from static predefined structures to dynamic adaptable structures that can reconfigure themselves to achieve accurate positioning on varied ceiling surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes geometric parameters of the suspension elements to adapt to different ceiling structures. By adjusting parameters such as suspension element length, angle, and configuration, the system maintains positioning accuracy across complex ceiling geometries without requiring completely different structural designs.
2Ease of manufacture
If the ceiling structure is designed as a modular system with discrete coupling points, then the ease of manufacture and assembly is improved, but the structural continuity and load distribution deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling structure is divided into modular segments with standardized coupling points, enabling easy assembly and disassembly. Each module can be independently manufactured and then quickly assembled into the complete ceiling structure, significantly improving manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines modular discrete coupling points with continuous load distribution mechanisms. The coupling points provide modular assembly benefits while the connecting elements and structural design ensure continuous load paths are maintained across module boundaries, preserving structural integrity.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the suspension elements are rigidly coupled to the ceiling structure, then the positioning stability is improved, but the ability to handle unpredictable reaction forces and rough terrain deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The suspension elements incorporate dynamic coupling mechanisms that can transition between rigid and compliant states. This allows the system to maintain stable positioning during normal operation while automatically adapting to absorb and distribute unpredictable reaction forces when encountered.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates cushioning and shock-absorbing elements in the suspension mechanism that are pre-configured to handle unpredictable forces. These elements are designed to engage when excessive forces are detected, protecting the rigid coupling points from damage while maintaining positioning stability.
4Strength
If the ceiling structure uses continuous profile units without discontinuities, then the structural strength is improved, but the flexibility in adapting to different ceiling geometries deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous profile units are segmented into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces. This segmentation maintains the structural strength of continuous profiles while enabling flexibility in configuring the ceiling structure to adapt to different geometries by arranging modules in various patterns.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2a~2c
Figure 2d~2j
AI summary
The invention relates to a ceiling suspension arrangement (100) exhibiting at least one crawler type ceiling unit (10) and a ceiling structure (1) extending in at least two spatial directions (x, y), the ceiling structure (1) comprising profile units (1.1) extending in a first spatial direction (x) arranged in parallel in a second spatial direction (y), the crawler type ceiling unit (10) exhibiting suspension elements (13, 13a, 13b) allowing the crawler (10) to be moved along the profile units (1.1) irrespective of momentary motion in said second spatial direction (y), the ceiling structure (1) comprising ceiling modules (2), wherein the ceiling modules (2) comprise a subset of profile units (1.1) interconnected via connection beams (2.1).