Ceiling Tile Fan and LED Light Source Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Indoor spaces face challenges in maintaining proper air quality and air movement, and existing LED lighting systems suffer from excessive heat issues that reduce their lifespan due to inadequate thermal management, leading to discomfort and productivity losses.
Innovation Solution
The development of ceiling tiles with integrated air circulation mechanisms, including fans and UV light sources, which circulate air and decontaminate it, while also incorporating LED lighting that benefits from efficient thermal management to extend its lifespan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If LED lights are used for illumination, then energy consumption is reduced and lifespan is extended, but excessive heat generation damages the LED components and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful heat from the LED lighting system by introducing a separate air circulation system that draws heat away from the LED components. The housing includes air inlets positioned to capture hot air rising from the LED lights and directs it through a fan-driven circulation path, separating the heat management function from the lighting function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium to transfer heat away from the LED components. The circulated air acts as a heat carrier, absorbing thermal energy from the LED lights and transporting it to exit points, thereby mediating the heat removal process without direct thermal contact between heat-generating and heat-sensitive components.
2Temperature
If air circulation is added to cool LED lights, then thermal management is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the housing structure multi-functional by integrating air inlets, air outlets, and fan mounting directly into the housing that already serves as the LED light fixture enclosure. The housing simultaneously provides structural support, light emission, and thermal management functions, eliminating the need for separate cooling device housings.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the cooling system components (fan, air inlets, air outlets) with the LED lighting housing into a single integrated unit. The fan is mounted within the housing, and the air circulation paths are formed using the housing's structural elements, combining what would traditionally be separate systems into one unified device.
3Ease of operation
If standard ceiling tile dimensions are used, then installation ease is maintained, but space for air circulation components is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension within the ceiling tile thickness to accommodate air circulation components. The fan and air pathways are arranged in the vertical space between the ceiling tile's front and back surfaces, allowing adequate component placement while maintaining standard horizontal dimensions for easy installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the air circulation components (fan, wiring, air pathways) within the existing ceiling tile structure. The cooling system is embedded inside the housing, with air inlets and outlets integrated into the tile's surface, allowing the entire assembly to fit within standard ceiling tile dimensions while providing functional space for all components.
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 enhances air quality, reduces heat-related issues in LED lighting, improves indoor comfort, and increases productivity by providing efficient air circulation and purification within the constraints of standard ceiling tile dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a fan positioned within the housing and configured to move air from the indoor environment through the housing
Implementation Method 2
a UV light source positioned within the housing and configured to irradiate airborne contaminants in the air flow
Implementation Method 3
an LED light source positioned within the housing and configured to illuminate the indoor environment
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed embodiments relate to a combination axial fan and LED lighting system configured to fit into the footprint of a standard ceiling tile. Disclosed embodiments further include ceiling tiles with a built-in fan and/or LED lighting. The disclosed systems may include 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 inventions include an airflow surface to direct air existing the fan cavity along an LED light fixture. Moreover, disclosed embodiments include one or more UV light sources which irradiate contaminants as air flows through the ceiling tile.