Vertical Folding Wall Partition Conceals Ceiling Cavity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertically movable wall partitions create an unsightly void or gap between the partition and the ceiling when deployed, which is aesthetically undesirable and visually unappealing.
Innovation Solution
A vertical folding wall partition system that includes foldable panel assemblies pivotally connected through vertically spaced supports, a cover assembly to conceal the ceiling cavity, and a moving mechanism supported by an overhead structure, allowing the panels and cover assemblies to be displaced between stored and deployed positions while maintaining a continuous ceiling appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional vertically movable wall partition is deployed from a recessed ceiling space, then the partition can divide the larger space, but it creates a noticeable and unsightly void or gap between the partition and the ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The wall partition system is nested within a recessed ceiling space when stored, similar to how nested dolls contain smaller dolls within larger ones. The partition folds into a compact configuration that fits within the ceiling cavity, allowing it to be stored out of the way while maintaining aesthetic appearance. When deployed, the partition extends downward from the ceiling to divide the space as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The wall partition is divided into multiple foldable panels that can be segmented and reconfigured. These panels are connected in a way that allows them to fold into each other, creating a compact stored position within the ceiling and an extended deployed position for space division. The segmentation enables the partition to transition between stored and deployed states while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
2Volume of moving object
If the wall partition is stored within the ceiling cavity, then space is saved, but the partition creates visual gaps and unsightly appearances when deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The partition system utilizes the ceiling cavity as a nested storage space, with the partition folding into a compact form that fits within the recessed area. This nesting approach maximizes storage efficiency while minimizing visual impact when deployed, as the partition extends cleanly from the ceiling surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition system transitions between different spatial dimensions - when stored, it occupies the horizontal volume of the ceiling cavity; when deployed, it extends vertically downward to divide the space. This dimensional transformation allows the partition to maintain aesthetic appearance while providing functional space division.
3Volume of moving object
If the partition panels are made to extend laterally outwardly in a stacked relationship when stored, then compact storage is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition is segmented into multiple panels that can be individually folded and stacked. Each panel is connected to adjacent panels through hinges or similar simple joints, allowing them to fold into a compact stacked configuration when stored. This segmentation enables compact storage while keeping the individual connecting mechanisms relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The partition system is designed to be dynamic, transitioning between extended and folded states through simple hinge joints. The panels can easily change their configuration from a vertical extended position for space division to a horizontal stacked position for storage, utilizing basic mechanical principles rather than complex mechanisms.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system effectively conceals the ceiling cavity when deployed, providing a seamless and uninterrupted ceiling surface while allowing for easy storage within the ceiling, thus addressing the aesthetic issues of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
foldable panel assemblies pivotally connected through a series of vertically spaced apart supports
Implementation Method 2
moving mechanism engaging each support and the bottom linkage to move the panel assemblies and the cover assembly between the stored and deployed positions
Implementation Method 3
cover panels being substantially coplanar with the ceiling to conceal the cavity therein
Implementation Method 4
the moving mechanism vertically displacing the cover panels relative to the ceiling as the panel assemblies are moved between the stored and deployed positions
Data Source
AI summary
A folding wall partition includes foldable panel assemblies. Each panel assembly includes an upper panel and a lower panel. The upper and lower panels extend substantially in a common vertical plane when in a deployed position, and extend laterally outwardly of the common vertical plane in a stacked relationship when in a stored position. A moving mechanism engages the panel assemblies to displace them between the stored and deployed positions. A cover assembly has cover panels. The cover panels extend in a first common horizontal plane when in the deployed position and are substantially coplanar with the ceiling to conceal a cavity. The cover panels extend in a second common horizontal plane higher than the first common horizontal plane and within the cavity when the cover panels are in the stored position.