Sound-absorbing Panel Edge Hanging Device

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound-absorbing panels face challenges with weight, cost, and aesthetic integration when trying to hang or connect them to ceilings or walls, as they often require frames and visible joints that are unattractive and difficult to handle.

Innovation Solution

A device with a threaded element and through-hole system that uses the edge of the sound-absorbing panel as a frame, eliminating the need for external frames and joints, allowing for secure attachment to walls or ceilings without visible fasteners, and enabling easy connection of multiple panels.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a frame or support surface is added to the sound-absorbing panel, then the panel gains structural rigidity and can be hung or connected, but the weight, cost, and complexity of the panel increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidpanel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the frame from the panel structure entirely. Instead of adding a separate frame component, the panel's own edge is utilized as the support element. This is achieved by creating a recess in the panel edge that directly receives the hanging device, eliminating the need for any additional frame or support surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the support function with the panel's existing edge structure. The edge of the panel, which already exists as part of the panel body, is modified to include a recess that integrates the hanging mechanism directly into the panel's structure, combining the panel and support functions into a single unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If a frame or support surface is added to the sound-absorbing panel, then the panel can be hung or connected, but the manufacturing cost increases due to additional materials and assembly steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the frame from the panel structure entirely. Instead of adding a separate frame component, the panel's own edge is utilized as the support element. This is achieved by creating a recess in the panel edge that directly receives the hanging device, eliminating the need for any additional frame component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel edge serves multiple functions: it provides the structural boundary of the panel, maintains aesthetic appearance, and simultaneously acts as the support element for hanging and connection. The recess in the edge integrates the support function into the existing edge structure, making the edge multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate support components.

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

3Strength

If a frame or support surface is added to the sound-absorbing panel, then the panel can be hung or connected, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible frames and joints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the frame from the panel structure entirely. Instead of adding a separate frame component, the panel's own edge is utilized as the support element. This is achieved by creating a recess in the panel edge that directly receives the hanging device, eliminating the need for any additional frame component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the support function with the panel's existing edge structure. The edge of the panel, which already exists as part of the panel body, is modified to include a recess that integrates the hanging mechanism directly into the panel's structure, combining the panel and support functions into a single unified element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Strength

If a frame or support surface is added to the sound-absorbing panel, then the panel can be hung or connected, but the handling and installation difficulty increases due to considerable weight

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural rigidityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the frame from the panel structure entirely. Instead of adding a separate frame component, the panel's own edge is utilized as the support element. This is achieved by creating a recess in the panel edge that directly receives the hanging device, eliminating the need for any additional frame component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel edge serves multiple functions: it provides the structural boundary of the panel, maintains aesthetic appearance, and simultaneously acts as the support element for hanging and connection. The recess in the edge integrates the support function into the existing edge structure, making the edge multi-functional and eliminating the need for separate support components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3117051B1Assembly comprising a panel and a device for hanging said panel
Publication Date: 2020.05.13 ELEDA
  • EP3117051B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3117051B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3117051B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A device which can be fixed to the edge of a panel, for example a sound-absorbing panel formed by heat-bonded synthetic fibres, is described. The device comprises a body with a longitudinal through- hole and two walls which define a cavity for enclosing the edge of the panel. The through-hole communicates with the cavity. The through- hole is configured to guide a threaded element (screw or the like) towards said cavity so that said threaded element engages at least with said edge of the panel so that it expands towards the walls of the cavity and is firmly retained by them.