Leak Diverter Tray Above Suspended Ceiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing leak diversion systems for suspended ceilings are visible, require substantial retrofitting, and fail to address leaks occurring along the perimeter of the ceiling, as they are not designed to blend aesthetically with the occupied space and do not effectively catch leaks above the support grid.
Innovation Solution
A leak diverter system comprising a liquid collection tray and a drain positioned above the suspended ceiling, supported by a perimeter frame and support members, which can be flexible or rigid, and includes a side barrier to confine liquids, allowing for easy installation and aesthetic integration with the existing ceiling design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If leak diversion systems are positioned within the room underneath ceiling tiles, then leaks can be collected, but the systems are visible and require substantial retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the leak collection system underneath the ceiling tiles within the room, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the collection tray above the suspended ceiling. This allows the system to intercept leaks before they reach the ceiling tiles, eliminating the need for substantial retrofitting while maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the leak collection system from the traditional two-dimensional plane within the room (underneath tiles) to a three-dimensional position above the suspended ceiling. This dimensional change allows the system to function effectively while being hidden from view and requiring minimal retrofitting.
2Reliability
If conventional ceiling tiles are designed to collect leakage, then leaks can be handled, but the tiles are visible and do not blend with the ceiling design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the leak collection function from the visible ceiling tiles and places it in a separate collection tray positioned above the suspended ceiling. This allows the ceiling tiles to maintain their conventional aesthetic appearance while the hidden tray handles all leak collection functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tray acts as an intermediary element positioned above the suspended ceiling, intercepting leaks before they reach the visible ceiling tiles. This mediator allows the tiles to maintain their aesthetic appearance while still providing effective leak handling capability.
3Reliability
If leak confinement systems use visible hoses and collection bags, then leaks can be contained, but the systems are visible from the interior
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the collection bag and hoses within the visible interior space, the patent inverts the approach by positioning the entire collection system above the suspended ceiling. This eliminates visibility from the interior while maintaining effective leak containment.
4Reliability
If leak diverters are positioned within the support grid, then leaks can be collected, but they cannot catch leaks occurring above the grid perimeter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extends the collection tray beyond the two-dimensional support grid plane into the three-dimensional space above the suspended ceiling. This allows the tray to catch leaks occurring at the perimeter above the grid while still collecting leaks within the grid area.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection tray is designed to perform multiple functions: it collects leaks within the support grid area and also captures perimeter leaks above the grid. This universal design provides comprehensive leak protection across different leak locations without requiring separate systems.
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 collects and directs leaks away from the ceiling panels, preventing structural damage and moisture issues without the need for extensive retrofitting, while maintaining a visually unobtrusive appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid collection tray structured and arranged to rest above a suspended ceiling... A drain may be positioned to extend through either the bottom or side of the liquid collection tray
Data Source
AI summary
A leak diverter for positioning above a suspended ceiling is disclosed. The leak diverter can comprise a liquid collection tray comprising a flexible or substantially rigid sheet of material. The leak diverter can have a drain in flow communication with the liquid collection tray. The leak diverter can comprise a perimeter frame and can be supported by a plurality of support members. The drain can be positioned to extend through either the liquid collection tray or the side barrier and can be positioned above the suspended ceiling. In one embodiment, the width of the leak diverter is less than the standard width of a suspended ceiling panel in order to facilitate installation of the diverter above the suspended ceiling. In another embodiment, the length of the leak diverter may be greater than the standard length or width of a suspended ceiling panel, and may straddle adjacent ceiling panels.