Acoustic Lighting Tile Cavity Design for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional acoustically absorbing tiles face a trade-off between sound absorption and illumination, as lighting devices integrated into these tiles often compromise the acoustic properties of the ceiling, limiting the room's illumination options.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic lighting tile design featuring a cavity with a light source carrier, reflective surfaces, and a diffusing element that maintains sound absorption while providing uniform illumination by reducing light obstruction and enhancing spatial distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If lighting devices are integrated into acoustic tiles, then illumination is improved, but sound absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The tile is divided into distinct functional zones: acoustic treatment portions (with sound-absorbing material) and lighting portions (with light sources and diffusers). This segmentation allows each zone to optimize its specific function without compromising the other, enabling the tile to provide both sound absorption and illumination simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines acoustic treatment functionality and lighting functionality into a single integrated tile assembly. The lighting device is incorporated within the acoustic tile structure, merging two previously separate functions (sound absorption and illumination) into one unified component that delivers both benefits
2Object-affected harmful factors
If lighting devices cover small portions of the ceiling, then sound absorption is maintained, but illumination flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic tile is designed to perform multiple functions: sound absorption through dedicated acoustic portions and illumination through integrated lighting portions. This multi-functionality allows the same tile structure to replace both traditional acoustic tiles and separate lighting fixtures, providing illumination flexibility while maintaining sound absorption across the entire ceiling surface
3Use of energy by moving object
If light sources are placed close to the opening, then illumination efficiency is improved, but light obstruction increases
Solution Approach 1:
A diffusing element is introduced as an intermediary component between the light source and the opening. This diffuser allows light to pass through while scattering it to reduce obstruction effects, enabling the light source to be positioned closer to the opening for improved efficiency without sacrificing uniform light distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The light source is positioned at a specific distance from the opening along the vertical dimension, and the diffusing element is arranged to cover the opening at a controlled distance. This spatial arrangement in the vertical dimension optimizes both illumination efficiency and reduces light obstruction by creating appropriate light paths
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
The solution effectively combines sound absorption with uniform illumination, allowing for more flexible room lighting while maintaining desired acoustic properties.
Implementation Method 1
an acoustic element adapted to absorb at least a subset of sound incident to the cavity
Implementation Method 2
at least one reflective surface arranged in the cavity and adapted to reflect at least a subset of the emitted light towards the opening
Implementation Method 3
a diffusing element arranged to at least partially cover the opening and adapted to at least partially diffuse light passing through the opening
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic lighting tile (100) comprises a cavity (110) having a side wall (120) forming an opening in the cavity (110). An acoustic element (130) absorbs sound incident to the cavity (110). A light source carrier (140) is arranged along the side wall (120) and extends a first distance (D1) along a horizontal direction into the cavity (110). A light source (150) is mounted on the Slight source carrier (140) and emits light (L1, L2, L3) in a vertical main direction into the cavity (110), away from the opening of the cavity (110). A reflective surface (160) reflects at least a subset of the light (L1, L2, L3) emitted by the light source (150) towards the opening. A diffusing element (170) at least partially covers the opening at a second distance (D2) from the light source carrier (140) and diffuses light passing through the opening. The second distance (D2) is at least as large as the first distance (D1). The distance (D2) between the light source carrier (140) and the diffusing element (170) provides a mixing space which facilitates provision of a more uniform illumination.