Radiant Ceiling Panel Assembly with Integrated Functional Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing radiant ceiling panels face challenges in integrating additional functions such as lighting, ventilation, and air purification without compromising their heating and cooling efficiency and requiring significant installation effort.

Innovation Solution

A radiant ceiling panel arrangement that includes two radiant ceiling panels for heating and/or cooling, with a further functional element such as a lighting, channel, or filter element, connected via rigid connecting elements to form a stiffened unit that can be easily suspended from a ceiling, utilizing a U-profile connecting element made from sheet metal for enhanced rigidity and ease of assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional functional elements (lighting, ventilation, air purification) are integrated into radiant ceiling panels, then versatility and functionality are improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovefunctionalityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling system is divided into separate radiant ceiling panels and separate functional elements (lighting, ventilation, air purification) that can be independently manufactured and then assembled together using connecting elements, allowing each component to be optimized independently while maintaining overall system functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple functional elements (radiant heating/cooling panels, lighting fixtures, ventilation channels, air purifiers) are combined into a single integrated ceiling assembly that can be installed as one unit, providing multifunctionality without proportionally increasing installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Strength

If radiant ceiling panels are made rigid to maintain structural integrity, then strength and stability are improved, but thermal expansion and contraction during operation are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidthermal expansion accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting elements incorporate dynamic characteristics that allow them to flex and accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the radiant ceiling panels while maintaining rigid structural connections, enabling the system to adapt to temperature changes without compromising structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting elements are designed with varying degrees of rigidity at different locations and orientations, allowing certain portions to be more flexible to accommodate thermal movement while other portions maintain rigid structural support, optimizing both strength and thermal adaptation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This configuration allows for a multifunctional ceiling panel system that provides heating, cooling, lighting, ventilation, and air purification while maintaining structural integrity and ease of installation, offering improved rigidity and versatility.

Implementation Method 1

ceiling radiant panels for heating and/or cooling a room... by emitting radiation... by absorbing radiation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal radiation: Thermal Radiation

Implementation Method 2

by means of a pipe register in which a heat transfer fluid is transported, which is in thermal contact with the ceiling panel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Implementation Method 3

Activation is electrically resistive

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3775702B1Radiant ceiling panel arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 ZEHNDER GROUP INTERNATIONAL AG
  • EP3775702B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP3775702B1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3
  • EP3775702B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a radiant ceiling panel arrangement (10) for mounting in the ceiling area of a room, wherein the arrangement (10) comprises at least a first radiant ceiling panel (11) and a second radiant ceiling panel (12) for heating and/or cooling the room, and at least one further functional element (13). The at least one further functional element (13) is arranged between the at least two radiant ceiling panels (11, 12). At least one connection element (14, 15) holds the two radiant ceiling panels (11, 12) and the further functional element (13) together.