Modular Ceiling Kit Rim Obscuration via Intermediary Component
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ceiling-mounted luminaires with solid state lighting (SSL) elements often have an aesthetically unsatisfactory rim around the light exit window, which is visible and unappealing, especially when integrated into modular ceilings, as existing solutions like decorative light panels fail to obscure this rim effectively.
Innovation Solution
A modular ceiling kit with a luminaire arrangement and mounting frame, featuring a component with a second light exit window larger than the first, positioned to create a clearance that obscures the rim by extending a sidewall arrangement from the second light exit window, allowing light to spread and illuminate the perimeter, potentially using a translucent sheet with embossed designs for aesthetic enhancement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rim is added around the light exit window to retain optical components, then the optical components are protected and retained, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to the visible dark rim
Solution Approach 1:
A decorative light panel is introduced as an intermediary component between the luminaire and the mounting frame. This panel serves as a mediator that obscures the visible rim while allowing light to pass through, thus resolving the contradiction between retaining optical components and maintaining aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 2:
The decorative light panel utilizes translucency and light interaction to change the visual appearance of the rim area. By allowing light to illuminate the panel and creating a glowing effect, the dark rim becomes invisible, transforming the aesthetic appearance while retaining the functional rim structure
2Shape
If a decorative light panel is added to obscure the rim, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The decorative light panel performs multiple functions simultaneously: it obscures the visible rim for aesthetic purposes, acts as a light diffuser to homogenize light distribution, and serves as a mounting interface between the luminaire and ceiling. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
3Shape
If the second light exit window is made larger than the first, then the rim obscuration improves, but the clearance requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional planar panel to a three-dimensional structure with a sidewall arrangement extending from the second light exit window. This dimensional change allows the panel to create clearance in the vertical dimension while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, thus achieving rim obscuration without excessive clearance requirements
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 hides the rim of the luminaire, providing a more appealing appearance by ensuring the entire area is illuminated, reducing the number of components needed and potentially eliminating the need for a diffuser, while allowing for design flexibility with embossed shapes and improved optical efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The component may comprise a translucent sheet from which the sidewall arrangement extends
Data Source
AI summary
A modular ceiling kit comprising a luminaire arrangement and a mounting frame (12) is disclosed. The luminaire arrangement has a luminaire (20) with a first light exit window (22) framed by a rim (25). The mounting frame (12) has an aperture (13) for receiving the luminaire (20). The luminaire arrangement also has a component (30) that is mountable in between the mounting frame (12) and the luminaire (20). The component (30) has a first light exit window (22) framed by a rim (25). The component (30) comprises a second light exit window (35) larger than the first light exit window (22), the second light exit window (35) being delimited by a side wall arrangement (33) extending away from the second light exit window (35), wherein the component (30) is dimensioned such that when the component (30) is positioned on the luminaire (20), the component (30) obscures the rim (25) and the sidewall arrangement (33) creates a clearance (40) between the first light exit window (22) and the second light exit window (35).