Suspended ceiling-mountable enclosure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing enclosures for electrical and other equipment in suspended ceilings are heavy, making installation challenging and requiring multiple trades to work sequentially, limiting concurrent installation and post-installation configuration changes.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a lightweight inner enclosure, support frame, and back box with a removable device door, allowing for concurrent installation by different trades and easy equipment configuration, featuring interchangeable mounting plates and a cooling system with an electrically powered fan and air ducts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a heavy steel enclosure is used, then the enclosure provides structural strength and durability, but the installation becomes difficult and dangerous requiring installers to support the weight while on ladders
Solution Approach 1:
The enclosure is divided into multiple components: a support frame that attaches to the ceiling grid, a separate door assembly, and mounting structures. This segmentation allows each component to be lighter and easier to handle individually during installation, while the assembled structure provides the necessary structural strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The enclosure utilizes composite construction combining steel framing elements with lighter materials for the door and internal structures. This composite approach maintains the structural integrity and strength required for enclosures while significantly reducing the overall weight to make installation safer and easier.
2Reliability
If the enclosure is installed with the door closed and secured, then the enclosure provides security and environmental protection, but the audio-video technician cannot install or reconfigure equipment until after the mechanic and electrician have completed their work
Solution Approach 1:
The door is designed with preliminary attachment features (hinges and mounting points) that allow it to be temporarily positioned and secured to the support frame before equipment installation. This preliminary action enables the audio-video technician to begin equipment mounting while the enclosure structure is already in place, rather than waiting for complete enclosure assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly incorporates dynamic features including removable fasteners and adjustable mounting mechanisms that allow the door to transition between open, partially closed, and fully secured states. This dynamic design enables flexible installation sequences where equipment can be installed with the door in intermediate positions, allowing concurrent work by multiple trades.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the enclosure door is made removable for equipment installation, then equipment can be easily installed and reconfigured, but the enclosure loses its protective sealing and security
Solution Approach 1:
The door serves as an intermediary element between the enclosed equipment space and the external environment. It provides a controlled access point that can be opened for equipment installation and reconfiguration while maintaining the protective enclosure when closed. The door's sealing features ensure that when closed, it restores the environmental protection and security of the enclosure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door design allows for temporary discarding of the sealed enclosure state during equipment installation, with the understanding that the sealing and protective properties are recovered when the door is closed and secured. This reversible process enables equipment access while maintaining enclosure integrity when needed.
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
Facilitates safer and more efficient installation by allowing the enclosure to be temporarily laid on the ceiling grid, enabling concurrent work by multiple trades and easy equipment configuration, while providing a lightweight and cooling solution for electrical equipment.
Implementation Method 1
a cooling system with an electrically powered fan and air ducts
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is a ceiling-mountable enclosure comprising a support frame, a lightweight inner enclosure, and a back box configured for installation in a suspended ceiling. The apparatus of the present invention includes a removable device door configured to be mounted to the support frame. Electrical and signal wires are routed through conduit access plates provided at the back box. Electrical or other equipment is mounted to a removable device door. The removable device door with mounted equipment is attached to the support frame, then rotated upwards to fit flush with the ceiling and fastened to the support frame. A variety of power receptacles are provided that are configured to be mounted to either the back box, the inner enclosure, or the removable device door. The enclosure includes a cooling system comprising an electrically powered fan and air ducts integrated into the inner enclosure.