Crawler Ceiling Suspension Tracks for Accurate 2D Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing systems fail to provide reliable and accurate suspension and positioning of units on ceiling structures, especially in complex or unpredictable environments, lacking flexibility and scalability in motion paths.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling suspension arrangement with crawler type ceiling units and suspension elements that utilize de-/coupling kinematics along circumferential tracks, allowing for secure coupling and decoupling with the ceiling structure, enabling two-dimensional motion and scalability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If magnetic adhesion is used for ceiling suspension, then the unit can be suspended without predefined structure interaction, but positioning accuracy and reliable contact are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuspension flexibilityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary coupling mechanism consisting of suspension elements with coupling means that interact with a predefined ceiling structure. This mediator enables both reliable contact through mechanical coupling and accurate positioning through controlled de-/coupling kinematics, resolving the contradiction between suspension flexibility and positioning accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The suspension system employs dynamic de-/coupling kinematics where coupling elements can transition between engaged and disengaged states. This dynamic mechanism allows the unit to achieve reliable suspended contact when coupled and enables repositioning through controlled decoupling and recoupling, maintaining both stability and positioning capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If predefined structure interaction is used for reliable contact, then positioning accuracy improves, but adaptability to varied ceiling structures is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontact reliabilityVSAvoidstructure adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed with universal adaptability to interact with various ceiling structures while maintaining reliable contact. The suspension elements can couple with different structural configurations through standardized interfaces, enabling the system to achieve both reliable contact and adaptability across diverse ceiling types

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows parameter changes in the coupling configuration to adapt to different ceiling structures. By adjusting coupling parameters and kinematic configurations, the system maintains reliable contact across varied structural geometries while preserving positioning accuracy through controlled de-/coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If multiple suspension elements are used for secure suspension, then load-carrying capacity increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveload-carrying capacityVSAvoidsuspension mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suspension system is segmented into multiple independent suspension elements, each capable of carrying load individually. This segmentation allows the system to distribute load across multiple elements, increasing overall load-carrying capacity while keeping each individual element relatively simple in design

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple suspension elements are merged into a coordinated system where they work together to provide enhanced load-carrying capacity. The elements are combined through common coupling means and de-/coupling kinematics, achieving strong suspension capability while sharing structural components to manage complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12630241B2Ceiling suspension arrangement exhibiting at least one crawler type ceiling unit as well as method of suspending the ceiling unit at a ceiling structure

Publication Date: 2026.05.19 CEILIX AG

AI summary

The present invention refers to ceiling suspension arrangements exhibiting at least one crawler type ceiling unit (10) and a ceiling structure (1) extending in at least two spatial directions (x, y) and defining at least one structural regularity (1a), wherein the crawler type ceiling unit (10) exhibits a plurality of suspension elements for suspending the ceiling unit and for coupling the crawler type ceiling unit (10) to the ceiling structure (1), wherein the crawler type ceiling unit exhibits at least two circumferential tracks, wherein the suspension elements are attached to the circumferential tracks at predefined longitudinal positions corresponding to the structural regularity (1a), wherein the circumferential tracks respectively define a specific path of circumferential motion of the respective suspension elements. Further, the present invention refers to a method of suspending the ceiling unit at a ceiling structure, especially in context with two-dimensional positioning of the ceiling unit.