Downward-Extending Recessed Light Fixture for Obstructed Plenums
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of overhead lighting in buildings with dropped ceilings is often hindered by obstructions in the plenum space, forcing the use of suspended light fixtures instead of aesthetically preferred recessed fixtures, which limits design flexibility due to the need for a clear path for the recessed lighting housing.
Innovation Solution
A lighting fixture design featuring a housing with a wall extending from a lower end to an upper end, supported by a metal grid, allowing for a luminaire insert above the upper flange, with optional flaps for installation flexibility and a lens for aesthetic and light diffusion, enabling installation below obstacles and accommodating various luminaire types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a recessed light fixture is installed, then aesthetic appearance and light diffusion are improved, but the housing requires sufficient plenum space which is often unavailable due to obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional horizontal recessed fixture to a vertical downward-extending fixture. The housing extends vertically downward from the ceiling plane, allowing installation in locations where horizontal recess space is blocked by plenum obstructions. This dimensional change enables the fixture to bypass spatial constraints while maintaining aesthetic qualities through the vertical orientation of the housing and trim.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a suspended light fixture is installed, then installation flexibility is improved, but aesthetic appearance and light diffusion are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the installation flexibility of suspended fixtures with the aesthetic qualities of recessed fixtures. The housing is designed to extend downward and attach to the ceiling grid system like a suspended fixture, while the trim and lens assembly create a clean, integrated appearance similar to recessed fixtures. This combination allows the fixture to be installed in locations with plenum obstructions while maintaining aesthetic appeal.
3Volume of moving object
If the housing extends deeply into the ceiling, then luminaire concealment is improved, but available installation locations are reduced due to plenum obstructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reorients the housing extension from a horizontal direction into the ceiling plane to a vertical direction downward from the ceiling. This allows the housing to achieve sufficient volume for luminaire concealment without requiring horizontal plenum space. The vertical extension bypasses plenum obstructions while providing adequate space within the housing for housing luminaires and associated components.
4Shape
If standard recessed lighting is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but maintenance and luminaire replacement are difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fixture into modular components including the housing, trim, lens, and luminaire assembly. The luminaire is contained within a removable insert that can be accessed by removing the trim and lens assemblies. This segmentation maintains the clean aesthetic appearance when installed while enabling easy maintenance and luminaire replacement by simply removing the modular components in sequence.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting fixture formed having a housing, a lens and a luminaire. The housing having a wall extending between an upper end and a lower end. An upper flange circumscribing the wall and extending outwardly from the upper end of the housing. A lower flange inscribing the wall and inwardly extending from the lower end of the housing. The lens carried by the lower flange. The lighting fixture is carried by the upper flange, such as resting on the grid of a dropped ceiling. The luminaire is carried on an insert, with the insert resting above the upper flange.