Ceiling System Lighting Spacer Bracket Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling systems face challenges in supporting linear lighting fixtures without disrupting the structural integrity of the grid support system, requiring cumbersome and time-consuming customization.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system with a specially-configured lighting spacer bracket that forms a bifurcated extension of the longitudinal grid support member and creates a bridge through the lighting opening, providing uninterrupted support and allowing for standardized mounting of linear lighting fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If linear lighting fixtures are supported in standard ceiling grid systems, then lighting functionality is achieved, but the structural integrity of the grid support system is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a specialized support bracket as an intermediary component that connects linear lighting fixtures to the ceiling grid system. This bracket spans across multiple grid openings and attaches to longitudinal grid members, providing a stable mounting structure without requiring modifications to the grid members themselves. The bracket acts as a mediator that transfers loads from the lighting fixture to the grid system in a way that preserves structural integrity while enabling lighting support.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed as a segmented structure that can be assembled in place within the ceiling grid system. The bracket includes multiple attachment points and sections that can be independently positioned and secured to grid members, allowing for modular installation that adapts to different lighting fixture lengths and positions without disrupting the overall grid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If grid support members are customized in the field to accommodate linear lighting, then lighting installation is enabled, but installation time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support brackets are pre-fabricated with standardized dimensions and attachment configurations that match common ceiling grid systems. This preliminary preparation of the support structure allows for rapid installation by simply attaching the bracket to existing grid members and mounting the lighting fixture to the bracket, eliminating the need for time-consuming field customization of grid members.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various lengths and types of linear lighting fixtures while working with standard ceiling grid systems. The bracket's standardized interface with grid members and its adjustable configuration allow it to serve multiple lighting installation scenarios without requiring custom fabrication, reducing both time and cost.
3Adaptability or versatility
If grid support members are customized in the field, then lighting fixture support is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support bracket serves as an intermediary that simplifies the installation process by providing a pre-engineered interface between the lighting fixture and the ceiling grid system. Instead of requiring complex field modifications to grid members, the bracket absorbs the complexity of structural integration, leaving a simple two-step installation process: attach bracket to grid, then attach fixture to bracket.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bracket is designed to be self-installing using standard fasteners and attachment methods that work with existing ceiling grid systems. The bracket includes integrated mounting features that allow installers to secure it to grid members without specialized tools or skills, and the bracket itself provides the necessary structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for complex custom fabrication services.
Data Source
AI summary
A ceiling system in one embodiment includes first grid support members arranged in parallel spaced apart relationship. A pair of elongated lighting support members is arranged in parallel with the first grid support members. The lighting support members are spaced apart and define an axially elongated lighting opening. A lighting spacer bracket is connected between and supports the lighting support members from an overhead building support structure. In one embodiment, the bracket is configured to define a downwardly open cavity for at least partially receiving a lighting module therein. A lighting module is positioned in the lighting opening and supported by the lighting support members. In one embodiment, the lighting module may be a digital linear lighting module.