LED Retrofit System with Support Rails for Fluorescent Fixtures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluorescent light fixtures require labor-intensive and time-consuming processes for retrofitting to LED technology, often necessitating replacement of multiple components or entire fixtures, which can disrupt operations, especially in large indoor spaces like warehouses and retail stores.
Innovation Solution
An LED retrofit system and kit that includes longitudinally extending LED lamps with support rails for easy electrical connection and magnetic or mechanical attachment to existing fixtures, allowing for quick replacement of fluorescent lamps and ballasts without extensive reinstallation, utilizing first and second LED lamp support rails to hold and cover the LED lamps and connect them to a power source.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fluorescent fixtures are retrofitted to LED technology by replacing individual components (ballast, lamp holders, wiring, and lamps), then LED advantages can be provided to existing fixtures, but the process becomes time consuming and labor intensive requiring 30 minutes or so for each fixture retrofit
Solution Approach 1:
The retrofit system is divided into separate modular components: LED lamps, support rails, and mounting brackets that can be independently assembled and installed without replacing the entire fixture or multiple components simultaneously. This segmentation enables rapid installation by allowing workers to install pre-assembled modules rather than performing sequential component replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The support rails combine multiple functions into a single component: they provide structural support for the LED lamps, electrical connection pathways, and mounting interfaces to the existing fixture. This merging of functions reduces the number of separate components that need to be handled and installed, thereby reducing retrofit time.
2Reliability
If traditional fluorescent fixtures are retrofitted by replacing individual components, then LED technology can be implemented, but the process becomes labor intensive requiring significant effort for each fixture retrofit or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The LED lamps are pre-assembled with support rails and electrical connections before arrival at the installation site. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site labor by eliminating the need to perform complex wiring and component assembly during the retrofit process. Workers simply need to mount the pre-assembled units rather than performing detailed component-level installation.
3Reliability
If entire fluorescent fixtures are replaced to implement LED technology, then LED advantages can be provided, but the process is time consuming and may require closing down sections of a store during installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the essential components needed for LED functionality (LED lamps and support rails) from the complete fixture replacement process. By taking out just the necessary elements and leaving the existing fixture structure in place, the system enables rapid retrofits that do not require closing down operational areas, thereby maintaining productivity during installation.
4Reliability
If multiple components are replaced in traditional fluorescent fixtures to achieve LED conversion, then LED performance can be achieved, but the device complexity increases with multiple replacement parts
Solution Approach 1:
The support rails merge multiple previously separate components into a single integrated element: they provide mechanical support, electrical connection pathways, and mounting interfaces. This consolidation reduces the number of separate replacement parts needed while maintaining all necessary functions, thereby reducing device complexity during the retrofit process.
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
Enables rapid and minimally invasive retrofitting of fluorescent light fixtures to LED technology, reducing installation time and labor, minimizing disruption to operations, and providing a cost-effective solution for upgrading to more efficient LED lighting.
Implementation Method 1
An LED may comprise a conventional semiconductor light emitting diode or an organic or polymeric light emitting diode
Data Source
AI summary
An LED lighting system, lamp retrofit system, kit, and method is presently disclosed. The LED retrofit system comprises at least one longitudinally extending LED lamp having a length substantially greater than a width and open longitudinal ends. A first LED lamp support rail holds and covers a first open longitudinal end of each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps and is configured to electrically connect each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps to a power source. A second LED lamp support rail holds and covers a second open longitudinal end of each of the at least one longitudinally extending LED lamps held with the first LED lamp support rail. A system holder on each of the first and second LED lamp support rails is configured and disposed to hold the retrofit system to a portion of a lamp fixture being retrofitted.