Grid Ceiling Luminaire with Mating Elements
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Providing effective lighting solutions for architectural spaces with grid ceiling systems poses unique challenges due to the lack of large surfaces, requiring innovative mounting and power distribution methods that securely attach luminaires to the grid while ensuring efficient light emission and heat management.
Innovation Solution
The development of a luminaire system comprising multiple portions with mating elements and electrical receptacles that securely attach to grid ceiling members, allowing for efficient light emission and heat dissipation, with options for pivot saddles and adjustable orientations to accommodate various grid configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lighting fixtures are used in grid ceiling systems, then the lighting can be provided, but the fixtures cannot be securely attached to the grid members due to lack of large mounting surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire is divided into multiple portions (first portion, second portion, etc.) that can be separately attached to different grid members. Each portion has its own housing and can be independently mounted, then connected together through mating elements to form a complete lighting fixture distributed across multiple grid intersection points.
Solution Approach 2:
The luminaire portions are designed to nest around grid members, with housings that encompass the grid members. The mating elements are nested within recesses in the housings, allowing compact assembly while maintaining secure attachment to the grid structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple luminaire portions are used to accommodate grid members, then the mounting flexibility is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple mating elements and assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The mating elements are designed with universal functionality to perform multiple tasks: mechanical connection between luminaire portions, electrical power transmission through integrated receptacles, and alignment guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into single components: electrical receptacles are integrated into the mating elements, pivot saddles combine mounting and rotation functions, and housings encompass both structural and protective roles. This merging reduces the total number of discrete parts while maintaining versatility.
3Temperature
If the luminaire is designed to encompass grid members, then the heat dissipation is improved through grid member contact, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper fit
Solution Approach 1:
Thermal contact between the luminaire and grid members is concentrated at specific localized points through pivot saddles and housing contact surfaces, rather than requiring uniform contact across large areas. This localized thermal coupling improves heat dissipation efficiency while reducing the overall precision requirements compared to full-surface contact designs.
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 luminaire system provides reliable and flexible lighting solutions by securely attaching to grid ceiling systems, ensuring stable light emission and efficient heat management, while allowing for adjustable orientations and efficient power distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a light engine coupled with the first housing that generates light from electrical power
Implementation Method 2
the pivot saddle transfers a weight of the luminaire to the grid ceiling system member
Data Source
AI summary
A luminaire configured for mounting to a grid ceiling system includes first and second portions. The first portion includes a first housing, one or more first mating elements, and a light engine coupled with the first housing that generates light from electrical power, and is oriented to emit the light away from the first housing. The second portion includes a second housing and one or more second mating elements. The second mating elements are adapted to couple with the first mating elements. At least one of the first portion and the second portion includes an electrical receptacle for receiving the electrical power for the light engine. When the first mating elements couple with the second mating elements, the first housing and the second housing together define a cavity for one or more members of the grid ceiling system.