Suspended Ceiling Light Bar with Diffuse Reflective Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing illuminated ceiling baffles often disrupt the visual uniformity of ceiling structures due to the presence of separate lighting fixtures, which can detract from the appearance and pattern continuity of the ceiling.
Innovation Solution
An illuminated ceiling baffle or light bar design where the illumination elements are integrated within the baffle, using a high reflective coating on the interior surfaces to diffuse light from discrete LED elements, creating a uniform pattern without the need for separate light diffusing lenses, and optionally incorporating a sound absorbing medium for enhanced acoustical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If separate lighting fixtures are used to illuminate the ceiling area, then the lighting function is achieved, but the visual uniformity and pattern continuity of the ceiling structure is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lighting function with the ceiling baffle structure by integrating LED elements directly into the baffle. This combination eliminates separate lighting fixtures, allowing the baffle to serve dual purposes: maintaining ceiling pattern continuity and providing illumination. The lighting elements are embedded within the baffle structure itself, creating a unified design that preserves visual uniformity while achieving the lighting function.
2Illumination intensity
If discrete LED elements are used for lighting, then the lighting function is achieved, but the light distribution is uneven and creates point sources visible in the ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary diffuse reflective material between the discrete LED elements and the ceiling space. This material, applied to the interior surfaces of the baffle, scatters the point source light from the LEDs into a diffuse, uniform light distribution. The reflective material acts as a mediator that transforms the concentrated light output from discrete LED elements into a soft, evenly distributed illumination that eliminates visible point sources while maintaining effective lighting.
3Shape
If light diffusing lenses are used to achieve uniform light distribution, then the light distribution is improved, but the cost and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive, complex light diffusing lenses with a simpler, more economical solution: a diffuse reflective material coating applied to the interior surfaces of the baffle. This coating material is significantly cheaper and simpler to implement than precision optical lenses, while achieving the same light distribution uniformity. The approach uses a readily available, easy-to-apply reflective coating instead of requiring precision-manufactured optical components.
4Illumination intensity
If the baffle housing is designed to accommodate separate lighting fixtures, then the lighting function is achieved, but the baffle exterior appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the lighting elements within the baffle structure itself, nesting the LED elements and diffuse reflective material inside the baffle housing. This nesting approach allows the lighting components to be contained within the baffle's interior volume, keeping the exterior appearance clean and uniform. The lighting function is achieved through internal elements that do not protrude or disrupt the external continuity of the ceiling pattern.
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
This solution maintains visual uniformity in ceiling structures by integrating lighting within the baffle, providing flexible design options and improved acoustical performance through diffuse lighting and sound absorption, while avoiding the complexity and cost of separate light diffusing components.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed baffle/light bar produces a uniform pattern of visible light by diffuse reflection of light from discrete LED elements inside and spaced along the length of the bar
Implementation Method 2
the inventive baffle bar can be provided with perforated walls and contain, along with a light source, a sound absorbing medium such as a porous batt of non-woven fiber
Data Source
AI summary
An elongated lighting assembly useful in suspended baffle ceilings comprising an inverted channel having an upper web and opposed legs depending from opposite sides of the web, inturned flanges extending inwardly from lower ends of the legs, distal edges of the flanges being horizontally spaced from each other to form a gap, LED tape located over an upper surface of the flanges and carrying upwardly facing LED elements at regularly spaced intervals, surfaces inside the channel facing the LED tape being coated with a white diffuse reflecting material whereby light emitted by the LED elements emanates essentially exclusively out of the gap by diffuse reflection from the coating.