Mobile Partition Wall Ceiling Load Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mobile partition walls with multiple elements suspended from ceilings often exceed the bearing capacity of lightly loaded ceilings, leading to safety concerns and potential structural damage.
Innovation Solution
A mobile partition wall system with a safety mechanism that includes a crank mechanism and latching device, allowing each partition element to be fixed to the ceiling and floor, minimizing the load on the ceiling by ensuring only one element is moved at a time, and utilizing a key/lock system to prevent misuse or incorrect operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple partition wall elements are suspended from the ceiling simultaneously, then the mobility and flexibility of the partition wall system is improved, but the load on the ceiling exceeds its bearing capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing devices are pre-installed on each partition wall element, ready to engage with the ceiling and floor. Before moving any partition element, the fixing devices are in a retracted state that allows free movement, but can be quickly extended to bear the full weight, preventing sudden load increases on the ceiling
Solution Approach 2:
The partition wall system is divided into multiple independent elements, each with its own fixing devices. This segmentation allows individual elements to be moved and fixed separately, distributing the ceiling load across multiple attachment points rather than concentrating it on a single rail system
2Force
If a fixing device is provided for each partition wall element to prevent excessive ceiling load, then the ceiling load is reduced to safe levels, but the complexity of the partition wall system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device integrates multiple functions into a single mechanism: the crank mechanism simultaneously controls both the upper ceiling-fixing element and the lower floor-fixing element. Rotating the crank performs the work of multiple separate fixing mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining load distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The crank mechanism serves multiple purposes: it extends the fixing elements to bear load, retracts them to enable movement, and provides a locking function to maintain position. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mechanisms for each function, simplifying the overall system despite the added fixing capabilities
3Reliability
If a locking device is provided to hold the crank during intermediate states, then the safety and control of partition element movement is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device automatically engages when the crank mechanism reaches an intermediate or retracted position, without requiring manual intervention. The locking mechanism is self-actuating, using the position of the crank itself to trigger the locking action, which maintains safety while minimizing additional complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is integrated within the crank mechanism structure, with the locking components nested inside or alongside the crank arms and connecting rods. This nested arrangement allows the locking function to be added without significantly increasing the external dimensions or overall complexity of the fixing device
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 allows safe assembly and disassembly of partition walls with minimal trained personnel, ensuring that the ceiling load is managed within safe limits, preventing excessive weight distribution and misuse, thus protecting the ceiling and facilitating secure operation.
Implementation Method 1
a crank mechanism with a releasably fixable crank is provided for changing the state of the fixing device
Implementation Method 2
a locking device is provided which holds the crank plugged onto the crank mechanism on the crank mechanism
Data Source
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AI summary
The system has partition wall elements (12), which are movable at a ceiling in a suspended manner. A fixing device is provided for fixing the walls to the ceiling in an extended condition, where the fixing device allows the partition element to move into a guide in or at the ceiling, in a retracted condition. A crank mechanism (22) with a detachably fixable crank (24) is provided for changing the condition of the fixing device. A latching apparatus (30) holds the crank on the crank mechanism as long as the fixing device is between the extended and retracted conditions. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling the mobile partition wall with several partition elements.