Ceiling Tile Airflow and UV Purification for LED Heat Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Indoor spaces face challenges in maintaining proper air quality and air movement, and LED lighting systems suffer from excessive heat issues, leading to reduced performance and lifespan due to inadequate thermal management, while also being susceptible to airborne contaminants like bacteria and viruses.

Innovation Solution

The development of ceiling tiles with integrated air circulation mechanisms, including fans and UV light sources, which circulate air and decontaminate it using UV-C light, while also providing efficient thermal management for LED lighting through airflow to dissipate heat and extend their lifespan.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Use of energy by moving object

If LED lights are used for lighting, then energy savings and longer lifespan are achieved, but excessive heat is generated that damages the LED lights and reduces their lifespan

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveenergy consumptionVSAvoidheat generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful heat generated by LED lights into a beneficial cooling mechanism by directing this heat away from the LED components and using it to cool the surrounding air, thereby extending LED lifespan while providing air cooling

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces air as an intermediary medium that absorbs heat from the LED lights and transports it away from the LED components, preventing direct thermal damage while maintaining energy efficiency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If air circulation is increased to improve air quality and cooling, then air movement and heat dissipation are enhanced, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair qualityVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables the system to serve itself by using the heat generated by LED lights as the driving force for air circulation, eliminating the need for separate energy-consuming fans or air movers while maintaining improved air quality

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Object-affected harmful factors

If UV light sources are added to decontaminate air, then air purification and pathogen elimination are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairborne contaminantsVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the UV air purification function with the existing LED lighting and air circulation system, integrating multiple functions into a single ceiling fixture without requiring separate complex systems for each function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 HVAC energy costs, prolongs LED light lifespan, and creates a self-contained 'kill zone' for airborne pathogens, improving indoor environments by combining energy and HVAC savings with effective air purification and thermal management.

Implementation Method 1

a UV light source which decontaminates air as it flows through the ceiling tiles and thus helps prevent the spread of bacteria, fungus, viruses and/or mold

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectUV-C light decontamination: Photoionisation

Implementation Method 2

ceiling tiles with built in air flow mechanisms... providing ample lighting within the indoor space... provide a cooling effect on the LED lights

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow: Convection

Implementation Method 3

LED bulbs that produce white light typically generate excessive heat... A typical LED light produces 15% visible light and 85% heat

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLED light emission: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 4

Excessive heat causes damage to LED lights... Proper thermal management is critical to maintaining the original brightness and extending the lifespan of LED lights

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat generation: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentUS10316141B2Ceiling tile with built-in air flow mechanism and UV air purifying device

Publication Date: 2019.06.11 GO FAN YOURSELF LLC

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.