Tool-Less Ceiling Grid Lighting Mounting System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling support grid systems face challenges in easily and toollessly mounting and retrofitting light sources, particularly in environments with complex ceiling structures like old office buildings with high or curved ceilings.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system utilizing longitudinally extending supports with light source holders and anti-rotational features that fit onto the ceiling support grid flanges, allowing for tool-less installation and retrofitting of rectangular or square light sources, such as LED panels, by cooperating with the grid's flanges and existing luminaires like troffers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional mounting methods are used for light sources in ceiling support grids, then the mounting process requires tools and complex procedures, but the installation time and labor effort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is divided into separate modular components: longitudinally extending supports that attach to the ceiling grid, and light sources with integrated mounting features. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and positioned, enabling tool-less assembly by simply connecting the light source to the pre-installed supports.
Solution Approach 2:
The longitudinally extending supports act as intermediary elements between the ceiling support grid and the light source. These supports provide a mounting interface that eliminates the need for traditional tools by using snap-fit or clip-based connections, thereby simplifying the mounting process while maintaining installation efficiency.
2Ease of operation
If light sources are mounted in ceiling support grids without anti-rotational features, then the mounting process is simpler, but the light sources may rotate and become misaligned
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system incorporates asymmetric anti-rotational features such as offset tabs, non-circular connection interfaces, or positioned stop elements on the longitudinally extending supports. These asymmetric features engage with corresponding elements on the light source to prevent rotation, ensuring proper alignment while maintaining the simplicity of the installation process.
3Adaptability or versatility
If existing troffers are retrofitted with new light sources, then the existing infrastructure is preserved, but the retrofitting process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The longitudinally extending supports are designed with universal mounting capabilities that can attach to various ceiling grid configurations and support different light source types. This universality allows the same mounting system to be used in both new installations and retrofits of existing troffers, reducing retrofitting complexity by eliminating the need for specialized retrofit components.
4Reliability
If light sources are secured firmly in ceiling support grids, then the mounting reliability is improved, but the installation process requires more steps and effort
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system replaces traditional mechanical fastening methods (screws, bolts, clips requiring tools) with a simplified connection mechanism. The longitudinally extending supports feature integrated mounting interfaces that secure light sources through snap-fit, press-fit, or tool-less clamping actions, achieving reliable mounting while maintaining ease of installation.
Data Source
AI summary
Technologies are described for a system for mounting a light source in a ceiling support grid. The lighting system has a first longitudinally extending support having a first light source holder and a longitudinal extending surface for lying on a first flange of the ceiling support grid A second longitudinally extending support has a second light source holder and a longitudinal extending surface for lying on a flange of the ceiling support grid parallel with the first flange. A rectangular or square light source is configured to be mounted with the longitudinally extending supports and in the ceiling support grid.