Ceiling Lighting System with Integrated Air Ionizer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting systems fail to effectively mimic natural light conditions, particularly in indoor settings like offices and homes, and lack comprehensive air disinfection capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system comprising multiple light sources with a controller to vary color and color temperature, combined with an air ionizer that adjusts ionization levels based on light characteristics, providing homogeneous air disinfection and mimicking natural light conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional stand-alone air ionizers are positioned on or near the floor, then air ionization is provided, but homogeneous coverage of the space is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The air ionization function is segmented and distributed across multiple ceiling-mounted lighting units rather than using a single floor-based ionizer. Each lighting unit contains integrated air ionizers that collectively provide distributed, homogeneous coverage throughout the space, similar to how ceiling lights provide uniform illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The air ionization system transitions from floor-level (horizontal plane) to ceiling-mounted (vertical inversion) positioning. This dimensional change allows ionized air to distribute downward and outward, achieving superior homogeneous coverage compared to upward diffusion from floor level.
2Reliability
If the air ionizer is controlled to increase ionized air generation, then air disinfection is enhanced, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air ionizer operates dynamically with variable ionization levels rather than fixed high-power mode. The controller adjusts ionization intensity based on ambient conditions, light characteristics, and disinfection needs, enabling energy-efficient operation at lower powers while maintaining effectiveness through selective high-ionization periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes operational parameters by varying ionization levels in response to different light colors and temperatures. Higher ionization is activated under cool white/blue light conditions for enhanced disinfection, while lower ionization operates under warm light for energy savings, creating a adaptive energy-consumption profile.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light sources with variable color and color temperature are used to mimic natural light, then lighting quality is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The air ionization system and variable-color lighting system are merged into a single integrated ceiling-mounted unit. This combination allows both functions to share common structural support, power supply, and control infrastructure, reducing overall system complexity despite the advanced capabilities of each individual function.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system performs multiple functions: illumination, natural light mimicking through variable color temperature, and air disinfection through integrated ionizers. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate systems into one universal device, improving space efficiency and reducing installation complexity.
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 system effectively mimics natural light conditions and enhances air disinfection, offering improved comfort and protection against pathogens like influenza and COVID-19 by varying ionization levels in response to light changes, ensuring thorough coverage of spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an air ionizer adapted to generate ionized air, wherein the air ionizer is configured to vary its generation of ionized air
Implementation Method 2
the air ionizer is configured to vary its generation of ionized air... in response to the controller varying at least one of the color and color temperature of the combined light
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a lighting system (10), comprising: a plurality of light sources (12a, 12b) adapted to emit light; a controller (14) adapted to individually control at least a first light source (12a) and a second light source (12b) of the plurality of light sources, such that at least one of color and color temperature of combined light (16) emitted by the plurality of light sources can be varied; and an air ionizer (18) adapted to generate ionized air (20), wherein the air ionizer is configured to vary its generation of ionized air as a function of at least one of the color and color temperature of the combined light emitted by the plurality of light sources.