Suspended Ceiling Lighting Interface with Device Apertures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling lighting systems lack the functionality to accommodate devices such as ion generation sources, sensors, and light sources within the lighting tiles, limiting their operational capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lighting unit for a suspended ceiling that includes one or more lighting tiles and an interface component forming part of the grid system. The interface component has a central support portion with flanges that include through-holes, allowing devices at the peripheries of the lighting tiles to be exposed and function while being supported by the flanges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the interface component supports the lighting tile with flanges, then the lighting tile is securely suspended from the ceiling, but devices at the peripheries of the lighting tile cannot be exposed or function properly
Solution Approach 1:
The interface component is divided into distinct functional segments: the central support portion for suspension, the flanges for tile support, and the through-holes for device access. This segmentation allows each part to perform its specific function independently, enabling devices to operate while maintaining secure tile suspension.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-holes in the flanges act as intermediaries that bridge the conflict between the flange's support function and the device's exposure need. These holes allow devices at the peripheries to pass through and function while the flange maintains its structural support role.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the interface component provides support for the lighting tile, then the lighting system is stable and secure, but the operational capabilities of devices within the lighting tile are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface component is designed with multi-functionality: the central support portion provides suspension stability, the flanges provide mechanical support for the lighting tile, and the through-holes enable device operation. This universal design allows a single component to simultaneously ensure stability and enable versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The devices are nested within or behind the flanges, with the through-holes allowing them to be accessed from the other side. This nesting arrangement permits devices to be integrated into the lighting tile structure without compromising the overall suspension stability.
3Ease of operation
If the flange is designed to support the lighting tile, then the suspension structure is simple and effective, but it prevents devices at the peripheries from being exposed or functioning
Solution Approach 1:
The through-holes are extracted as separate features from the flange structure, allowing devices to be accessed through these dedicated openings. This extraction enables device accessibility while maintaining the flange's primary support function intact.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention generally relates to the field of a lighting unit (100), and in particular to a lighting unit (100) that is suitable for being part of a suspended ceiling (0001). The lighting unit (100) comprises one or more lighting tiles (1000) and an interface component (2000). The interface component (2000) forms at least a portion of a grid system (1020) for the suspended ceiling (0001) and for supporting the lighting tile (1000). The interface component (2000) comprises a central support portion (2001) having a first end (2002) facing a ceiling (0002), and a second end (2003) having a first flange (2004) and a second flange (2005) that are opposing each other. At least one of the first flange (2004) and the second flange (2005) comprises a through-hole (2006) that serves as an aperture for at least part of a device (1001) that is arranged at one of the peripheries (1002, 1003) of the lighting tile (1000) when the first flange (2004) is configured to support a first lighting tile when the first lighting tile is installed in the suspended ceiling (0001) and/or the second flange (2005) is configured to support a second lighting tile when the second lighting tile is installed in the suspended ceiling (0001).