Lighting Hub for Suspended Ceiling Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing suspended ceiling systems face challenges in seamlessly integrating recessed lighting into the metal grid framework without disrupting the appearance, as installing lighting between beams requires extensive support structures.
Innovation Solution
A hub for lighting fixtures is designed to be positioned at the intersection of beams, featuring four connected walls with protuberances and a yoke system that securely attaches to the ceiling beams, allowing for a seamless integration of the light fixture into the grid framework.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If recessed lighting is installed between beams of the metal grid framework, then the lighting can be integrated into the suspended ceiling, but extensive support structures are required and the appearance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting support system is divided into separate functional components: a hub structure that attaches to the beam intersection, a yoke that provides mounting surface, and connector elements that secure the light fixture. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation compared to a monolithic support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The hub acts as an intermediary element between the ceiling beam intersection and the light fixture. It provides a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process and distributes the structural requirements away from the light fixture itself, reducing the complexity of support structures needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If recessed lighting is installed between beams, then lighting integration is achieved, but the visual appearance of the suspended ceiling is interrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The light fixture mounting function is extracted from the beam structure and consolidated into a separate hub assembly that attaches to the beam intersection. This allows the beam structure to remain intact and visually continuous, while the lighting function is independently mounted without disrupting the ceiling's aesthetic appearance.
3Strength
If extensive framework is used to support light fixtures between beams, then structural support is adequate, but installation becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The hub and yoke components are pre-assembled and pre-configured with all necessary mounting features and attachment points. This preliminary preparation allows for rapid installation at the beam intersection without requiring extensive on-site assembly or complex alignment procedures, significantly improving installation productivity while maintaining structural integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A hub for lighting at a grid intersection. The hub includes a light enclosure, light fixture, yoke, clip adapter, and beams. The enclosure includes connected walls each having a central offset portion with a connecting slot and multiple fixture slots. The yoke includes a middle section, two side sections, and two connector sections having protrusions. The yoke is attached to the enclosure by passing the connector sections through the connecting slots in opposite walls of the enclosure. Clips are inserted into the connecting slots that do not contain the yoke. The clips include arms extended therefrom and have protrusions. Beams with end adapters having holes are then connected to the enclosure by engaging the protrusions on the yoke and clips with the holes on the clip adapters. A light fixture can then be attached with fasteners passing through the fixture and slots in the fixture. Optionally a driver can be attached to the fixture.