Magnetic Ceiling Device Suspension Without Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling track systems for ceiling-mounted devices are limited in flexibility, cannot support multiple devices, and are difficult to sterilize, making them unsuitable for environments requiring multiple device positions and high sterility.

Innovation Solution

A magnetic field-based device suspension system that allows mobile devices to be freely positioned on a ceiling using a magnetic field generator and rotatable elements, eliminating the need for tracks and enabling multiple devices to be simultaneously suspended and easily repositioned.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ceiling track systems are used to suspend devices, then devices can be supported and repositioned, but the number of possible positions is limited and track systems cannot cross or intersect

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of possible positionsVSAvoidtrack system structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical track system with a magnetic field-based suspension system. The magnetic field generator creates a magnetic field that interacts with magnetic elements on the device, allowing the device to be suspended and positioned anywhere within the magnetic field range without physical tracks. This eliminates the constraint of fixed track paths and enables unlimited repositioning flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state from mechanical contact (tracks) to magnetic field interaction. By using magnetic field strength and distribution as controllable parameters, the system can position devices at any location within the field, transforming the discrete position options of track systems into continuous position control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If ceiling track systems are installed, then devices can be suspended, but the track system is generally permanent and cannot be varied

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces permanent mechanical track installations with a magnetic field system that can be easily configured and reconfigured. The magnetic field generator can be positioned and adjusted without structural modifications to the ceiling, allowing flexible adaptation to different device positions and configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If ceiling track systems are used, then devices can be supported, but the track system must be serviced regularly and is difficult to keep sterile

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation smoothnessVSAvoidsterilization difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical track system with a magnetic field-based suspension that has no physical contact points requiring maintenance. The magnetic field generator and magnetic elements have no moving parts or surfaces that accumulate debris, eliminating the need for regular servicing and sterilization while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Quantity of substance

If a ceiling track system is used to suspend a device, then the device can be repositioned, but each track system can generally only be used to suspend a single device

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of devicesVSAvoidtrack system configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal magnetic field suspension system that can support multiple devices simultaneously. The magnetic field generator can interact with multiple magnetic elements on different devices, allowing one or more devices to be suspended and repositioned independently within the same magnetic field space, eliminating the one-device-per-track limitation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution provides greater flexibility and usage of ceiling space, reduces installation and maintenance costs, and facilitates easy sterilization, making it suitable for environments like surgical and diagnostic settings where multiple devices can be moved freely and precisely positioned.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic field generator realised to generate a magnetic field between the ceiling region and the ceiling interface of a mobile device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The weight of a mobile device is carried solely by the magnetic field between the ceiling region and the ceiling interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS10624595B2Device suspension arrangement

Publication Date: 2020.04.21 SIEMENS HEALTHINEERS AG

AI summary

The invention describes a device suspension arrangement comprising a ceiling region, at least one mobile device comprising a ceiling interface with at least one freely rotatable element arranged to partially protrude from the ceiling interface to facilitate movement of the suspended device to an arbitrary ceiling position; and at least one magnetic field generator realised to generate a magnetic field between the ceiling region and the ceiling interface of a mobile device. The invention further describes a mobile device for use in such a device suspension arrangement.