Flat LED Panel Retrofit Kit for Fluorescent Housing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluorescent lighting fixtures and retrofit kits are labor-intensive and disruptive to install, as they require significant modification or removal of existing components, and pose environmental concerns due to hazardous materials like mercury and PCBs, with inefficient energy use and light output degradation over time.
Innovation Solution
A substantially flat LED panel with edge lighting and a versatile retrofit kit that can be easily mounted over or within existing fluorescent housing units, using a frame with a thickness of less than 1.0 inches, and power circuitry to provide efficient and uniform light output, bypassing the need for complex installation and minimizing material disposal issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional fluorescent lighting fixtures are used, then light output is provided, but installation is labor-intensive and disruptive requiring removal of existing components
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into separate modular components: a flat panel assembly containing LEDs and a separate housing unit. This segmentation allows the panel to be independently installed in the existing housing without requiring removal or modification of the housing itself, significantly simplifying installation and reducing disruption to commercial operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat LED panel is designed to be nested within or mounted directly against the existing fluorescent housing unit. The panel fits into the housing space without requiring removal of the housing, effectively placing one system inside another to simplify installation while maintaining the existing structural integrity.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fluorescent lamps are used, then illumination is provided, but hazardous materials like mercury and PCBs are present
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous fluorescent lamps containing mercury and PCBs are completely removed from the lighting system and replaced with LED panels. This extraction of harmful components eliminates environmental hazards while maintaining reliable light output through the superior performance and longevity of LED technology.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting technology is changed from fluorescent to LED, fundamentally altering the operating parameters and material composition. This parameter change eliminates hazardous substances while improving light output stability, efficiency, and lifespan.
3Temperature
If fluorescent lamps are used, then light is emitted, but significant heat is generated placing burden on air conditioning
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting technology transitions from fluorescent to LED, fundamentally changing the thermal parameters. LED operation generates significantly less heat compared to fluorescent lamps, directly reducing the thermal load on building air conditioning systems while improving overall energy efficiency.
4Use of energy by stationary object
If existing lighting fixtures are upgraded with modern components, then energy efficiency is improved, but the process requires removal or significant modification of existing fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The upgrade process is segmented into replacing only the functional lighting panel while retaining the existing housing unit. This partial replacement approach improves energy efficiency through modern LED technology without requiring removal or significant modification of the original fixture structure, simplifying the retrofit process.
Solution Approach 2:
The flat LED panel is designed with universal mounting capabilities that accommodate various existing housing types. The panel can be installed in standard fluorescent housings without requiring custom modifications, enabling easy energy-efficient upgrades across different lighting fixtures.
5Productivity
If conventional retrofitting kits are used, then lighting replacement is achieved, but hazardous waste is generated from removed components
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous fluorescent lamps are extracted and removed from the system during retrofitting. By completely replacing the lighting panel assembly rather than repairing existing fluorescent fixtures, the process eliminates hazardous waste generation from removed components while maintaining efficient retrofitting speed.
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
The solution enables simple, efficient retrofitting with reduced disruption and environmental impact, improving light output and energy efficiency while allowing for easy maintenance and replacement of LED strips, thus extending the life of lighting systems.
Implementation Method 1
an LED strip comprising a plurality of light emitting diodes (LEDs) disposed adjacent the optically-transmissive panel at the first edge of the frame
Implementation Method 2
an optically-transmissive panel for distribution of light received at an edge of the optically transmissive panel from an LED strip
Data Source
AI summary
The light fixture includes a frame, a substantially flat light emitting diode (LED) panel disposed within the frame, power circuitry disposed within at least one of a number of channels within the frame, and a central wire-way. The frame includes a bottom assembly and a top assembly coupled to the bottom assembly. The bottom assembly and the top assembly cooperate to form the channels within the frame. The bottom assembly has a back surface. The power circuitry is configured to electrically couple the substantially flat LED panel to an external AC power supply. The central wire-way is disposed adjacent the back surface of the bottom assembly and configured to route wiring to or from the power circuitry disposed within at least one of the channels within the frame.