Modular Ceiling Panel Duct for Rail Vehicle Ventilation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling paneling systems for large-capacity vehicles, such as rail vehicles, are not adaptable to various vehicle types and do not easily integrate with standardized ventilation devices or adjacent vehicle parts, leading to inefficiencies in ventilation adjustment and potential fire safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A two-part standard construction for the vehicle ceiling featuring a duct module with an additional module defining the supply air duct, including lateral walls and an upper limit, which can be prefabricated for connection to ventilation units and other duct modules, along with a removable cover element for maintenance and fire-resistant materials like fiber-reinforced duroplastics with high-pressure laminates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If ceiling paneling includes an air intake duct with distribution and size of air outlet openings, then ventilation of the passenger compartment is achieved, but high air speeds and turbulence occur at the air outlet openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation adjustmentVSAvoidhigh air speeds and turbulence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling paneling is divided into multiple independent ceiling panels, each with integrated air outlet openings. This segmentation allows for distributed air distribution throughout the passenger compartment, reducing localized high air speeds and turbulence while maintaining effective ventilation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If connections for air supply to blower unit and adjacent vehicle parts are specially designed with air supply duct, then air supply is achieved, but transition pieces require individual adaptation to vehicle dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair supply connectionVSAvoidindividual adaptation of transition pieces
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The air supply duct and ceiling paneling are designed as universal, standardized components that can be adapted to different vehicle types without requiring individual customization. The duct system incorporates flexible connection elements and standardized interfaces that accommodate various vehicle dimensions while maintaining reliable air supply connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If ceiling paneling is designed as integrated structure with air duct, then ventilation function is achieved, but adaptability to various vehicle types is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionVSAvoidadaptability to vehicle types
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling paneling system is segmented into multiple identical or similar modular panels that can be replicated across different vehicle types. Each panel contains integrated air outlet openings and connection elements, allowing the entire ventilation system to be adapted to various vehicle configurations simply by adjusting the number and arrangement of panels rather than redesigning the entire system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of manufacture

If ceiling paneling consists of a few parts, then manufacturing is simplified, but fire safety requirements may not be met due to material selection

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidheat release rate in fire
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling panels are constructed using composite materials that combine fire-resistant core materials with decorative surface layers. This allows the panels to maintain structural integrity and meet fire safety requirements while preserving manufacturing simplicity. The composite structure enables the panels to be produced using standard manufacturing processes while ensuring low heat release rates in the event of fire.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2335954B9Assembly for fixing to a ceiling of a vehicle transporting large number of passengers
Publication Date: 2015.08.19 BOMBARDIER TRANSPORTATION GMBH
  • EP2335954B9 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2335954B9 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2335954B9 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to an arrangement for attachment to a car body ceiling of a large-capacity vehicle for passenger transport, in particular a rail vehicle, wherein the arrangement comprises: - a ceiling panel - a supporting structure (3a, 3b) which is part of the car body ceiling or is attached to the car body ceiling and on which the ceiling panel is suspended, wherein the ceiling panel comprises: a) a duct module (1) which forms a supply air duct (21) extending longitudinally in the car body for supplying air into the interior of the car body, b) a plate-shaped cover element (4) which covers the supply air duct (21) at the bottom and forms a surface of the ceiling panel visible from the passenger compartment on its underside, wherein the cover element (4) is removable from the duct module (1).