Modular Ceiling Tube Assembly With Anti-Loosening Screw Joints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling fastening apparatuses for medical devices require precise pre-measured ceiling tubes, which can be problematic when site conditions change, leading to the need for new tubes or on-site cutting, damaging the paintwork.
Innovation Solution
A modular ceiling tube system with standardized segments that can be combined and secured with a screw connection securing element, allowing adjustable length without damaging the paintwork, featuring a fine-pitch thread and internal screw connection securing elements for stability and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a ceiling tube of fixed length is manufactured and installed, then the installation can proceed smoothly, but the system cannot adapt to changed site conditions or requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling tube is divided into multiple standardized segments that can be individually manufactured and then assembled on-site. This segmentation allows flexible combination of segments to achieve different total lengths, enabling adaptation to changed site conditions without requiring custom-manufactured tubes while maintaining manageable complexity through standardization.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ceiling tube length needs to be adjusted on-site, then adaptability is improved, but the paintwork is damaged
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ceiling tube into pre-painted modular units, the system enables on-site length adjustment through selective assembly of segments rather than cutting. This eliminates paintwork damage while achieving the required adaptability, as segments can be combined in different configurations to match changed site requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a single long ceiling tube is used, then the structure is simple, but the system lacks flexibility for different installation positions
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling tube system uses segmented modules that maintain ease of installation through standardized connection interfaces while providing flexibility by allowing different numbers and combinations of segments to be assembled for various installation positions and heights.
Solution Approach 2:
The standardized segments are designed with universal connection features that allow them to be used in multiple configurations and positions. The same segment types can serve different functions at different locations, simplifying the overall system while achieving versatility.
4Ease of manufacture
If tube segments are connected with screw connections, then assembly is simplified, but the connections may loosen over time
Solution Approach 1:
A locking element is integrated into the screw connection system to prevent loosening before it occurs. The locking element engages with the screw thread to counteract vibrations and forces that would otherwise cause the connection to loosen over time, while maintaining the simplicity of screw-based assembly.
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
Enables flexible on-site adjustment of the ceiling tube length without interrupting installation and maintains paint quality, ensuring secure connections and easy assembly while preventing unintentional loosening.
Implementation Method 1
The thread can be designed as a fine-pitch thread. The design of the thread as a fine-pitch thread already advantageously counteracts the unintentional loosening of the screw connection, due to the increased friction in the thread.
Implementation Method 2
adjacent tube segments providing a screw connection securing element, which is configured to counteract a loosening of the screw connection
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling fastening apparatus for medical devices, comprising a ceiling-mountable carrier as well as a vertically elongated ceiling tube held on the carrier in a mounting position. The ceiling tube includes a plurality of tube segments. The tube segments are screwed to each other via a thread. Adjacent tube segments provide a screw connection securing element, which is configured to counteract a loosening of the screw connection.