Wood Ceiling Panels Concealing Support Structure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ceiling panel systems fail to create a continuous decorative appearance while masking the support structure, and they also do not effectively serve as acoustic screens.

Innovation Solution

A system of perforated panels with parallel solid wood slats and counter-slats that cooperate with inverted T-section carriers, where the counter-slats have extensions to conceal the support structure and allow for easy assembly and disassembly, incorporating acoustic tiles for improved sound absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If conventional ceiling panels with counter-slats and decorative elements are used, then the ceiling structure can be assembled, but the support elements remain visible from below the panel, breaking the visual continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual continuity of decorative bladesVSAvoidvisibility of support structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-slat is designed with an extension that projects beyond its main body in a direction perpendicular to the slat arrangement. This extension is positioned to receive and conceal the support element, effectively using a dimensional extension to mask the support structure while maintaining the visual continuity of the decorative blades from the front view.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of manufacture

If decorative blades are arranged perpendicular to support bars and hooked to them, then the ceiling panel can be assembled, but the space between blades remains visible and support bars are exposed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly of ceiling panelVSAvoidcontinuity of decorative appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-slat extension projects beyond the plane of the decorative blades in a direction perpendicular to the slat arrangement. This dimensional extension allows the support element to be concealed behind the counter-slat while the decorative blades maintain their continuous appearance from the front view, effectively solving both assembly ease and visual continuity requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If panels are fixed to support frames with visible edges, then the ceiling structure can be constructed, but the support frame becomes visible and interrupts the slat continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing of panel to support structureVSAvoidinterruption of slat continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The counter-slat acts as an intermediary element between the decorative blades and the support structure. Its extension specifically receives and conceals the support element, mediating the connection in a way that maintains the visual continuity of the decorative appearance while ensuring secure structural attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Area of stationary object

If traditional ceiling panels are used, then basic ceiling coverage is achieved, but they do not effectively function as acoustic screens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveceiling coverage areaVSAvoidacoustic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ceiling panel system is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ceiling coverage through the decorative blade arrangement and acts as an acoustic screen through the counter-slat structure with extensions that create acoustic screening effects. This multi-functionality allows a single system to address both aesthetic and acoustic requirements.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2458103B1Ceiling panel system
Publication Date: 2014.01.08 LAUDESCHER SA ZI DE POMMENAUQUE
  • EP2458103B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2458103B1 patent drawingFigure 4
  • EP2458103B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A system (1) of openwork panels (5, 5', 5") for ceiling decoration, intended to be fixed to a support structure suspended from the ceiling, the panels being made, on the visible side, of parallel solid wood slats (13) spaced at constant intervals, and, on the recessed side, of counter-battens (15) spaced at constant intervals, perpendicular to the slats, the support structure being made up of parallel inverted T-shaped cross-section members (7). The ends (16, 36') of the counter-battens cooperate with the base of the cross-section members to secure the panels to the members, and the slats are arranged parallel to the cross-section members.