Ceiling Tile Light Module With Integrated Heat Dissipation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of lighting in enclosed spaces is problematic due to the weight of light sources and the need for heat sinks, limiting mounting options and requiring heavy fixtures, especially when mounted to ceilings.

Innovation Solution

An integrated ceiling and light system that incorporates a lightweight light module into a ceiling tile, eliminating the need for traditional heat sinks by using a low-profile LED device with a thermally conductive element that emits light and heat through the same surface, allowing for versatile mounting and aesthetically pleasing designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If traditional light sources with heat sinks are used, then adequate heat dissipation is achieved, but the weight of the lighting fixture increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat dissipationVSAvoidfixture weight
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the light source and heat sink into a single integrated unit. The LED module is directly mounted on the ceiling tile with the heat dissipation structure built-in, eliminating the need for separate heavy heat sink components. This integration allows adequate heat dissipation while significantly reducing overall fixture weight.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the heat sink function from a separate component and integrates it directly into the ceiling tile structure. The tile itself serves as part of the heat dissipation system, with thermal pathways built into the tile design, thereby eliminating the need for additional heavy heat sink attachments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Temperature

If heavy light source fixtures are used, then adequate cooling is provided, but mounting versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecooling capabilityVSAvoidmounting options
Core Design Contradiction:
TemperatureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the lighting system into a lightweight modular unit that can be independently mounted on different ceiling tile positions. The standardized mounting mechanism allows the same cooling-capable light module to be installed on various ceiling tiles throughout the suspended ceiling system, providing mounting versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a universal mounting system where the same light module design with integrated cooling can be mounted on any standard ceiling tile. The mounting mechanism is designed to work across different tile positions and orientations, providing multi-functional adaptability while maintaining adequate cooling performance.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If lightweight light modules are used, then mounting versatility improves, but heat dissipation becomes insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting versatilityVSAvoidheat dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating heat dissipation resources directly at the LED module location within the ceiling tile. The thermal pathways and heat sink structures are localized to the immediate vicinity of the light source, ensuring efficient heat dissipation from the critical area without requiring heavy overall fixture construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs asymmetric heat dissipation design where the majority of thermal management resources are concentrated on the side of the ceiling tile facing the interior space, allowing heat to be efficiently dissipated into the room air flow while keeping the overall structure lightweight and versatile for mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

4Strength

If complex mounting structures are used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs self-service mounting mechanisms such as snap-fit connections or tool-free attachment systems that allow the light module to be securely mounted on the ceiling tile without complex fastening procedures. The mounting structure is designed to self-secure upon installation, providing strong attachment while simplifying the installation process for end users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables lightweight, easily mountable, and aesthetically uniform lighting solutions for ceilings without the need for separate heat sinks, facilitating field installation and simple fixture relocation.

Implementation Method 1

a low-profile LED device with a thermally conductive element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS12571511B2Integrated ceiling and light system
Publication Date: 2026.03.10 ARMSTRONG WORLD IND INC
  • US12571511B2 patent drawing
  • US12571511B2 patent drawing
  • US12571511B2 patent drawing

AI summary

An integrated ceiling and light system that incorporates a light module into a ceiling tile. The system may include an acoustic ceiling tile and a light module magnetically coupled to the acoustic ceiling tile.