Embedded LED Ceiling Tile Illumination System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional overhead ceiling lighting systems are inefficient, wasteful, and inflexible, with bulky fixtures and high voltage requirements, leading to energy waste and glare, and they are not easily adaptable or embeddable in thin ceiling materials.
Innovation Solution
Integration of thin, directionally illuminating LED lighting engines with power and control components within lightweight ceiling materials, using low-voltage DC power and advanced optics to create a distributed, intelligent lighting system that can be precisely controlled and tailored to specific illumination needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional high voltage lighting fixtures are used to provide sufficient illumination, then illumination intensity is improved, but energy consumption increases and glare is generated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ceiling into multiple zones with individual LED modules embedded in ceiling tiles, replacing single high-power fixtures with distributed low-power units. Each module provides localized illumination, collectively achieving sufficient overall illumination while consuming less energy and eliminating glare from concentrated light sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements selective illumination by controlling individual LED modules in specific ceiling tiles to provide light only where needed. This allows different illumination levels in different areas, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining required illumination intensity in task areas.
2Area of stationary object
If conventional lighting fixtures are installed to provide adequate lighting coverage, then illumination area is improved, but device complexity and infrastructure requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses standardized LED modules that can be embedded in any ceiling tile, making the lighting system universally applicable across the entire ceiling area. The same module design and installation procedure works throughout, simplifying the system while covering large illumination areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses existing ceiling tile infrastructure and standard electrical outlets to power LED modules. Each module is self-contained with its own driver circuitry, eliminating the need for complex dedicated wiring infrastructure while achieving wide illumination coverage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional lighting systems are deployed to meet lighting needs, then adaptability is limited, but system complexity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements individually controllable LED modules that can be dynamically adjusted in intensity and timing. Each module responds to motion detection and ambient light sensing, providing adaptive illumination that changes based on real-time conditions while maintaining simple modular hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes illumination parameters (intensity, timing, distribution) by controlling individual LED modules rather than changing physical infrastructure. This allows high adaptability through software control while maintaining simple modular hardware deployment.
4Illumination intensity
If LED lighting modules are embedded in ceiling tiles to reduce glare and improve aesthetics, then illumination quality is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the lighting function into discrete LED modules that are manufactured independently and then embedded in ceiling tiles during installation. This allows specialized LED module manufacturing while keeping ceiling tile production simple and modular.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the ceiling tile as an intermediary carrier that simplifies the integration of LED modules. The tile provides a standardized embedding cavity and mounting structure, making the manufacturing and installation process straightforward while achieving high illumination quality.
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 approach reduces energy consumption, minimizes glare, and enhances aesthetic and functional flexibility, enabling more sophisticated lighting control and installation efficiency while reducing infrastructure costs and physical hazards.
Implementation Method 1
Low voltage lighting fixtures based on the semiconductor light emitting diode (LED)
Implementation Method 2
Semiconductor LEDs are chosen for all practical examples of embedded luminaires in the present invention
Implementation Method 3
arranging comparably thin LED luminaires with acceptably distinct down-lighting illumination patterns
Implementation Method 4
thin flat fluorescent sources, flat micro plasma discharge sources and electron stimulated luminescence
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1F
Figure 2A~2C
AI summary
The present invention introduces a new class of lightweight tile-based illumination systems for uses wherein thin directionally-illuminating light distributing engines are embedded into the body of otherwise standard building materials like conventional ceiling tiles along with associated means of electrical control and electrical power interconnection. As a new class of composite light emitting ceiling materials, the present invention enables a lighter weight more flexibly distributed overhead lighting system alternatives for commercial office buildings and residential housing without changing the existing materials. One or more spot lighting, task lighting, flood lighting and wall washing elements having cross-sectional thickness matched to that of the building material or tile into which they are embedded, are contained and interconnected within the material body's cross-section. Embedded power control devices interconnected to each lighting element in the distributed system communicate with a central switching center that thereby controls each light-emitting element in the system.