Modular Ceiling Air Deflector Insert for Compact Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling air deflectors in commercial structures accumulate dirt, soot, and particulates on the ceiling, making them difficult to clean and often requiring repainting.

Innovation Solution

A modular air deflector insert composed of four identical component pieces that can be assembled quickly on-site, using innovative attachment mechanisms such as sockets and tongues or protrusions with pins, to reduce bulk and facilitate easier installation and cleaning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a single-piece square fin is used to deflect air away from the ceiling, then particulate accumulation on the ceiling is reduced, but the packaging size and shipping bulk increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticulate accumulation on ceilingVSAvoidpackaging size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The single-piece square fin is divided into four separate identical component pieces that can be packaged compactly and assembled on-site. Each piece is a smaller segment of the original structure, allowing efficient packaging while maintaining the overall deflection function when assembled together to form the complete square fin structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Volume of stationary object

If four separate identical component pieces are used instead of a single-piece insert, then packaging size is reduced, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepackaging sizeVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is segmented into four identical modular pieces, each with standardized connection features. This segmentation reduces packaging volume while the standardization of connection mechanisms keeps assembly simple and quick.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each of the four component pieces is identical and can connect to any other piece in the set, creating a universal modular system. This universality simplifies assembly as workers only need to learn one connection type rather than multiple different joining methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Volume of stationary object

If four separate component pieces are used, then shipping bulk is reduced, but on-site assembly time is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping bulkVSAvoidon-site assembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The component pieces are pre-manufactured with integrated connection features (sockets and tongues) already formed as part of the structure. This preliminary preparation of connection mechanisms eliminates the need for additional fasteners or complex joining procedures, enabling rapid on-site assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

By segmenting the structure into four identical pieces with simple connection interfaces, the design enables quick assembly while reducing shipping bulk. The segmented approach with standardized connections minimizes both packaging volume and assembly time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS8882573B2Ceiling air deflector insert and method of assembly

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 T C AIRTECH

AI summary

A square deflector insert for a drop ceiling made of four identical sides that can be simply field assembled and installed. In contrast to previous single-piece inserts, the new inserts provide much more compact packaging for shipping but can be assembled quickly just before installation. Although described in terms of a square deflector the invention is applicable to other polygonal shapes.