Ceiling Diffuser System with a Common Plenum Array of Laminar Airflow Diffusers and a Grid Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Hospital operating rooms face challenges in designing and modifying ceiling layouts to accommodate new medical equipment due to complex coordination of ceiling-mounted equipment, air distribution, and structural support, which limits flexibility and increases on-site rework.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling diffuser system featuring a grid support structure with releasably connected members that supports a common plenum diffuser array and equipment support modules, allowing for rapid reconfiguration and external mounting to accommodate changes in medical equipment placement and size, minimizing on-site rework and downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common plenum diffuser array is used to conserve ceiling space and reduce ductwork, then device complexity is reduced, but flexibility to accommodate new medical equipment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system is divided into modular components: the common plenum diffuser array remains as a fixed air distribution system, while separate equipment support modules can be independently positioned and repositioned. This segmentation allows the air distribution infrastructure to remain simple while equipment placement becomes flexible and adaptable to changing medical needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment support structure transitions from a fixed, permanent installation to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Equipment supports can be moved, added, or removed without modifying the underlying common plenum diffuser array, enabling the ceiling layout to adapt dynamically to new medical equipment requirements while maintaining the simplicity of the air distribution system.
2Manufacturing precision
If ceiling layout is fixed during construction to coordinate equipment and air distribution, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to future equipment changes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system separates air distribution components (common plenum diffusers) from equipment support components. This segmentation allows precise coordination during initial construction while enabling independent repositioning of equipment supports later, maintaining both manufacturing precision and future adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The equipment support system is designed to be dynamically reconfigurable after construction. Supports can be relocated to new positions without disturbing the precisely coordinated air distribution system, allowing the ceiling layout to evolve with changing medical equipment needs while preserving the original coordination precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If medical equipment is continuously advanced and new equipment is introduced, then adaptability is improved, but on-site rework and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The equipment support system enables dynamic reconfiguration without requiring extensive on-site rework. When new medical equipment is introduced, supports can be quickly repositioned or added to the existing grid, minimizing disruption to hospital operations and reducing downtime compared to traditional fixed ceiling systems that would require demolition and reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The ceiling grid and equipment support infrastructure are pre-installed during construction in a modular configuration that anticipates future equipment changes. This preliminary action creates a flexible framework that can accommodate various equipment types and positions, eliminating the need for extensive on-site modifications when new equipment is introduced.
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 provides flexibility in accommodating new medical equipment and user preferences by enabling rapid reconfiguration of the grid support structure and equipment support modules, reducing on-site modifications and downtime in hospital operating rooms.
Implementation Method 1
a grid support structure with members releasably connected to each other
Data Source
AI summary
A first embodiment of a ceiling diffuser system includes a grid support structure with members releasably connected to each other, a common plenum diffuser array supported by the grid support structure, and at least one equipment support module mechanically and releasably connected to and supported by the grid support structure. A second embodiment of the ceiling diffuser system includes an upper grid support structure, a common plenum diffuser array supported by the upper grid support structure, a lower grid support structure, support struts supported by the lower grid support structure, and rails supported by the support struts.