Lighted Ceiling Panels for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling lighting systems often provide spotty lighting, which is inadequate for uniformly illuminating retail spaces where products are frequently relocated, leading to lighting restrictions and the need for frequent reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A ceiling system featuring lighted panels and linear trough lights that span the entire ceiling length, providing even illumination through a combination of LEDs, diffusing layers, and reflective backing layers, with adjustable support structures to accommodate various room configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional ceiling lighting systems are used, then the lighting fixtures can be easily installed, but the lighting distribution becomes spotty and non-uniform across the room
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system is divided into multiple panels with integrated lighting elements, where each panel contains a frame, diffuser, and light source arrangement. This segmentation allows uniform light distribution across the entire ceiling while maintaining manageable individual components that can be independently installed and adjusted.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the lighting function directly into the ceiling panels by integrating light sources, diffusers, and frames into unified panel assemblies. This merging eliminates the need for separate lighting fixtures and ceiling structures, achieving uniform illumination while simplifying the overall system installation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If lighting fixtures are positioned to illuminate specific areas, then those areas receive adequate light, but products cannot be freely relocated due to lighting restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling panel system provides universal lighting coverage across the entire room rather than focusing on specific zones. Each panel emits light uniformly in all directions below it, creating a versatile lighting environment that accommodates any product placement or display configuration without requiring reconfiguration of the lighting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous array of lighting panels spans the entire ceiling area, providing uninterrupted and consistent illumination across the whole room. This continuous lighting coverage ensures that products remain adequately lit regardless of their position, enabling free relocation without loss of lighting quality.
3Illumination intensity
If multiple separate lighting fixtures are used to cover the room, then adequate lighting can be achieved, but the ceiling appearance becomes cluttered and aesthetically less pleasing
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting functions are merged into unified ceiling panel assemblies that present a clean, continuous visual appearance. The diffusers and frames are integrated into cohesive panel units that eliminate the cluttered look of separate fixtures while maintaining comprehensive lighting coverage across the entire ceiling area.
Solution Approach 2:
Each ceiling panel is designed with uniform light-diffusing properties that ensure consistent light quality across the entire surface. The local uniformity of each panel contributes to the overall aesthetic harmony of the ceiling, creating a visually pleasing appearance while achieving comprehensive room illumination.
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
Ensures consistent and aesthetically pleasing lighting across the room, minimizing the need for reconfiguring lighting with item or display changes, and accommodating different room shapes and structural support elements.
Implementation Method 1
a diffusing layer disposed between the frame walls, wherein the diffusing layer diffuses light from the LEDs
Implementation Method 2
a backing layer disposed above the diffusing layer, wherein the backing layer reflects light from the LEDs
Data Source
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AI summary
A ceiling system includes a support structure configured to be installed in a ceiling area of a variety of room types. A ceiling supported by the support structure may cover the majority of the ceiling area and may include light sources to light the room. The ceiling may be defined entirely by panels extending continuously from one end of the ceiling to an opposite end of the ceiling, arranged side-by-side with troughs in between. The panels may themselves be the light sources. Alternatively or additionally light sourced may be disposed within the troughs.