Perforated Gypsum Ceiling Structure With Concealed Heating Pipe

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling elements with sound-absorbing properties face limitations in integrating heating/cooling systems, compromising acoustic performance and visual aesthetics, while also being costly and difficult to install.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling element comprising two perforated panel elements with a groove in the rear of one panel for a heat transfer medium pipe, connected in a material-to-material and form-fitting manner, featuring a cavity in the second panel element to enhance sound absorption and stability, and optionally incorporating a textile layer for improved acoustic and visual concealment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pipeline for heating/cooling medium is integrated into the ceiling element, then heating/cooling capability is provided, but the acoustic effect is limited and visual appearance deteriorates due to visible pipes or shadows

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating/cooling capabilityVSAvoidacoustic effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The pipeline is extracted from the visible front side and relocated to the rear side of the first panel element, where it is concealed within the groove structure. This extraction removes the harmful visual effect (visible pipes/shadows) while preserving the heating/cooling function, and the sound-absorbing material in the groove further mitigates acoustic limitations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The pipeline is nested within the groove structure of the first panel element, which itself is part of the larger ceiling element comprising multiple panels. This nested arrangement allows the pipeline to be concealed within the ceiling element's internal structure, eliminating visual defects while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a pipeline is integrated into the ceiling element, then heating/cooling capability is provided, but structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheating/cooling capabilityVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The groove containing the pipeline is localized to the rear side of the first panel element, leaving the front side and the connection between panels intact. This localized modification maintains the overall structural stability of the ceiling element while providing the necessary space for pipeline integration and heating/cooling functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If the ceiling element uses a simple construction, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but sound-absorbing properties and heating/cooling integration are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidsound-absorbing properties
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling element is segmented into multiple functional components: first panel element with groove, second panel element with cavity, sound-absorbing material, and pipeline. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function (sound absorption, structural stability, heating/cooling) while maintaining relative simplicity in manufacturing each individual component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ceiling element combines different materials and structures: perforated panel elements, sound-absorbing material, and integrated pipeline system. This composite construction achieves enhanced sound-absorbing properties and heating/cooling capability while keeping individual components manufacturable using standard techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 solution provides enhanced sound absorption in the frequency range of 125 Hz to 8000 Hz, maintains structural stability, and integrates heating/cooling capabilities while being cost-effective and visually appealing, with improved acoustic and thermal performance.

Implementation Method 1

the groove is introduced into the front side of the second panel element in such a way that a cavity is formed in the second panel element, which cavity extends into the perforations of the second perforation pattern. Accordingly, the ceiling element according to the invention has a cavity above the pipeline, which in the second panel element as a so-called Helmholtz resonator provides an open space for the expansion of the sound waves, which contributes to improving the acoustic properties.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelmholtz resonance: Helmholtz Resonance

Implementation Method 2

ceiling element with sound-absorbing properties, which has a first panel element with a front side and a rear side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP2489810B1Ceiling element with two perforated gypsum boards having ducts in between as a heating/cooling ceiling
Publication Date: 2013.09.04 REHAU AG & CO
  • EP2489810B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2489810B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

The cover element (1) comprises a primary plate element, which has a front side and a rear side, and a secondary plate element, which has a front side and a rear side. The rear side of the primary plate element is firmly connected with the front side of the secondary plate element. A pipeline is provided, which is inserted into a groove.