Ceiling Tile LED Fan Layout for Heat Dissipation and Airflow

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor spaces face challenges in maintaining air quality and air movement while providing adequate lighting, as traditional HVAC systems are insufficient, and LED lights suffer from heat-related damage due to inadequate thermal management, leading to reduced performance and lifespan.

Innovation Solution

A combination fan and LED light system integrated into a ceiling tile, utilizing an axial or crossflow fan to dissipate heat through convective transfer and an air diversion mechanism for uniform air distribution, along with stepped-fan blade technology for efficient airflow and energy savings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If LED lights are used to provide adequate lighting, then illumination intensity is improved, but heat generation increases causing reduced lifespan and performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelighting outputVSAvoidheat generation
Core Design Contradiction:
Illumination intensityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by LED lights into a beneficial cooling mechanism by using the same heat-generating LEDs to drive a thermoelectric cooler (TEC) that actively cools the LED components, thereby transforming the waste heat into a useful cooling effect

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes phase transition materials (phase change materials or PCM) that absorb excess heat from LEDs during phase change from solid to liquid, thereby maintaining stable operating temperatures and preventing thermal runaway

Inventive Principle:
Principle #36Phase transitions

2Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional HVAC systems are used to maintain air quality, then air circulation is improved, but system complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveair qualityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the HVAC air circulation function with the LED lighting fixture by integrating a fan directly into the ceiling-mounted LED unit, thereby combining two separate systems (lighting and air circulation) into a single integrated fixture that reduces overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a multi-functional ceiling fixture that simultaneously provides lighting, air circulation, and thermal management functions, allowing a single device to perform multiple tasks that traditionally required separate systems

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

3Duration of action of stationary object

If proper thermal management materials are used to cool LED lights, then lifespan is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveLED lifespanVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements self-service thermal management where the LED system uses its own generated heat to power a thermoelectric cooler that actively cools the LEDs, and employs passive phase change materials that automatically absorb excess heat without requiring external power or complex control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional active cooling mechanical systems (such as compressors and fans) with solid-state thermoelectric coolers and passive phase change materials, thereby eliminating moving parts and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining effective thermal management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 system enhances the lifespan of LED lights and fan components by reducing heat-related deterioration, improves air quality, and reduces energy consumption while maintaining aesthetic compatibility with standard ceiling configurations.

Implementation Method 1

the fan is configured to intake cooler air from the lower portion of an office space through the ceiling fixture. Pushing relatively cooler air through the fixture causes convective heat transfer over the LED lights.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectConvection: Convection

Data Source

PatentUS20180180273A1Combination LED lighting and fan apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.06.28 GO FAN YOURSELF LLC
  • US20180180273A1 patent drawing
  • US20180180273A1 patent drawing
  • US20180180273A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. The system includes a housing container and an axial fan. The fan has a fan cavity including air diversion mechanism to direct air from the fan cavity toward the lighting and fan components. The invention includes an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture.