Laminar Flow Diffuser With Integrated LED Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Laminar flow diffusers occupy substantial ceiling space, creating a trade-off between air distribution and lighting in areas requiring high illumination and low contaminant entrainment, such as hospital operating rooms and industrial clean rooms.
Innovation Solution
Integration of light emitting diodes (LEDs) within the laminar flow diffuser, combined with an acrylic light guide to evenly distribute light through a translucent perforated diffuser face, allowing for efficient air flow and balanced lighting in the same ceiling space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If laminar flow diffusers are installed to provide controlled air flow with minimal contaminant entrainment, then air quality and contaminant isolation are improved, but ceiling space for lighting fixtures is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting function and air diffuser function into a single integrated unit. The light emitting element is positioned within the diffuser housing, and the diffuser face serves as both the air outlet and the light emission surface, eliminating the need for separate lighting fixtures and reducing ceiling space requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The diffuser unit performs multiple functions simultaneously: it controls air flow to minimize contaminant entrainment while also providing illumination through integrated lighting elements. The diffuser face acts as both an air distribution surface and a light transmission surface, making the device multi-functional.
2Illumination intensity
If separate lighting fixtures are installed to provide high illumination, then lighting intensity is improved, but ceiling space occupancy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting function is merged into the diffuser structure, with light emitting elements positioned within the diffuser housing. The diffuser face transmits light while simultaneously distributing air, providing both illumination and air control functions from a single ceiling-mounted device.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting function is integrated into the existing diffuser volume and structure rather than adding separate ceiling fixtures. The light emitting elements are positioned within the three-dimensional space of the diffuser housing, utilizing the vertical dimension and internal volume to accommodate lighting components without increasing horizontal ceiling footprint.
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 saves ceiling space by integrating air distribution and lighting, providing equivalent illumination to separate fixtures while maintaining low contaminant entrainment and efficient air flow.
Implementation Method 1
The light produced by the LED strips passes within the clear acrylic sheet of the light guide, and the light guide fully equalizes the light within the laminar flow diffuser before the light is emitted from the perforated diffuser face
Implementation Method 2
The reflective metal sheet reflects the light transmitted through the light guide downward toward the perforated diffuser face
Implementation Method 3
Laminar flow diffusers are located in the ceiling of a room immediately above a work area and deliver a controlled downward flow of conditioned supply air with minimal entrainment of residual room air
Implementation Method 4
The boundary layer of the air mass in the room is the only place where any appreciable entrainment of residual room air may occur
Data Source
AI summary
A laminar flow diffuser with integrated lighting has a frame for supporting an air plenum and a lower housing. The air plenum receives conditioned air from a source of conditioned. The lower housing is attached to the bottom of the plenum. An aperture plate damper installed below the top plenum regulates the flow of air from the plenum through the laminar flow diffuser. A clear or translucent engineered, fire rated polymer perforated diffuser face forms the outlet from the lower housing to the room below. LED strips are positioned around the inside periphery of the lower housing. A light guide is installed adjacent the LED lighting strips to spread the light across the area of the perforated diffuser face.