Fan Filter Mounting Frame for Corner Grid Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation and maintenance of heavier mechanical units, such as fans and large lighting fixtures, in ceiling suspension grid systems are challenging due to their size and weight, posing risks of injury and equipment damage, as they are difficult to handle and place without disrupting the grid system.
Innovation Solution
A fan filter mounting frame with adaptable inserts that connect between the equipment and the suspension grid system, allowing the equipment to be supported directly and indirectly by the grid, enabling easier installation and maintenance without disturbing the grid's finished condition. The inserts have legs that meet at an apex and extend along grid rails, providing support and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If heavier mechanical units are installed directly into the ceiling grid system, then the equipment can be supported by the grid system, but the installation becomes difficult and dangerous due to the equipment's mass and size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a mounting frame as an intermediary component between the heavy equipment and the ceiling grid system. This mounting frame serves as a mediator that the equipment can be easily attached to, while the frame itself is designed to be readily manipulated and installed within the grid system. This resolves the contradiction by providing a handleable intermediate structure rather than directly installing the heavy equipment into the grid.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame is divided into multiple components including side members, end members, and cross members that can be assembled separately and then integrated into the ceiling grid system. This segmentation allows the frame to be handled in manageable portions during installation, reducing the difficulty associated with installing heavy equipment directly into the grid.
2Ease of operation
If heavier mechanical units are handled and manipulated during installation, then the equipment can be placed in position, but the risk of injury and equipment damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary that provides convenient handling features and structural integrity. Installers can manipulate the frame components more easily than the heavy equipment itself, and the frame is designed to bear the equipment's weight once installed, reducing the physical strain and risk during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame is pre-assembled or pre-positioned within the ceiling grid system before the heavy equipment is attached to it. This preliminary action allows the frame to be in place and ready to support the equipment, eliminating the need to maneuver heavy equipment through tight spaces and reducing the risk of injury and damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the suspension grid system is disrupted to install heavier equipment, then the equipment can be accommodated, but the grid system's integrity and finished condition are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting frame serves as an intermediary structure that interfaces with the existing ceiling grid system without requiring disruption to its finished condition. The frame can be attached to the grid system in a manner that preserves the grid's structural integrity and aesthetic appearance, while still providing the necessary support for heavy equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame is designed to be universally compatible with standard ceiling grid systems, allowing heavy equipment to be accommodated without modifying or disrupting the grid system. The frame adapts to the existing grid structure, maintaining its integrity while providing versatile equipment mounting capability.
Data Source
AI summary
The fan filter mounting frame is useful in installation of equipment in a cell of suspension grid systems when the equipment is passed through and is placed in a corner of the cell. The equipment is supported partially directly by the grid and partially indirectly by the grid through an adapting frame insert. The frame insert is connected between the equipment and the suspension grid system and may have two legs that meet at an apex, a first leg extending along a first grid rail and a second leg extending along an adjacent second grid rail. Each of the two legs also extends between its respective rail and the equipment, supporting the equipment on the respective suspension grid rails. Thus, the grid system may be in its design position or condition prior to and during placement and replacement of the equipment without disruption.