L-Shaped Support Profile for Ceiling-Suspended Sound Absorbers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound absorber support structures are not safe and easy to install, especially in environments with high moisture and dirt, and alignment during installation is complex.

Innovation Solution

A support structure featuring an elongated profile with a suspension device and an angle plate that connects directly to the sound absorber in a force-fitting, positive, and material-locking manner, using angled legs and webs for secure attachment, and a tab for alignment and connection to the support profile, reducing the need for additional connecting means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional support structures with multiple separate components (T-rails, angle plates, hooks, dowels) are used to suspend sound absorbers, then the connection can be achieved, but the installation becomes more complex and less safe, especially in high moisture and dirt environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety of sound absorber attachmentVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate connection components (angle plate, hook, dowel) into a single integrated support structure with an L-shaped profile that directly engages with the sound absorber frame. This merging eliminates the need for multiple separate parts, reducing installation complexity while maintaining secure attachment through the integrated design that resists detachment in high-moisture environments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If traditional support structures require multiple separate connecting components and assembly steps, then connection can be achieved, but the installation process becomes more time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidnumber of assembly steps
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is pre-assembled as a single integrated component during manufacturing, with the L-shaped profile and engagement features already formed. This preliminary action eliminates the need for on-site assembly of multiple parts, allowing installers to simply attach the pre-fabricated support structure to the sound absorber frame, thereby significantly reducing installation time and labor requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If traditional support structures use separate components that require precise alignment during assembly, then connection can be achieved, but the alignment process becomes more difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of alignment during installationVSAvoidalignment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The L-shaped support profile features an asymmetric design where one leg is specifically configured to engage with the vertical frame member and the other leg engages with the horizontal frame member at a perpendicular angle. This asymmetric geometry provides built-in alignment guidance, ensuring that the support structure can only be installed in the correct orientation, thereby simplifying the alignment process during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3910125B1Support structure for suspending at least one sound absorber from a ceiling, system for improving the acoustics in a room
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 STO SE & CO KGAA
  • EP3910125B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3910125B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3910125B1 patent drawingFigure 3c~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a support structure (1) for suspending at least one sound absorber (2) from a ceiling (3), comprising an elongated support profile (4), a suspension device (5) connectable to the support profile (4), and means (6) for connecting the sound absorber (2) to the support profile (4), wherein the means (6) comprise an angle bracket (7). According to the invention, the angle bracket (7) has at least two legs (8) arranged at an angle to each other, preferably at a right angle, which can be attached in a corner region of the sound absorber (2) to two diagonally arranged side surfaces (9) of the sound absorber (2) and can be connected to the sound absorber (2) by means of force, form, and/or material bonding. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system for improving the acoustics in a room with a support structure (1) according to the invention for suspending a sound absorber (2) from a ceiling (3).