Low-Profile Light Fixture Integrated with Architectural Panel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional low-profile light fixtures require significant clearance behind architectural structures to accommodate their power supplies, limiting design flexibility and installation options.
Innovation Solution
Integration of an integral power supply within the light fixture, allowing it to be embedded in architectural panels with minimal protrusion, eliminating the need for additional clearance and enabling higher installation elevations or reduced floor heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If a conventional low-profile light fixture is used, then the light fixture protrudes minimally from the visible surface, but significant clearance is required behind the architectural structure to accommodate the power supply
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the power supply with the light fixture housing into a single integrated unit. The power supply is positioned within the fixture assembly itself, allowing the entire unit to be mounted flush or near-flush to the architectural surface without requiring separate clearance space behind the panel for the power supply component.
2Ease of manufacture
If clearance is provided behind the architectural structure for the power supply, then the power supply can be accommodated, but the installation is constrained and design flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply and light fixture are merged into a single integrated assembly that can be mounted directly to the architectural surface without requiring additional clearance space. This eliminates installation constraints related to behind-panel clearance requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the light fixture is integrated with the architectural panel with minimal protrusion, then design flexibility is enhanced, but the power supply must be accommodated within the fixture itself
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply is integrated within the light fixture housing, creating a self-contained unit that can be mounted with minimal protrusion. This merging of components achieves the desired low-profile appearance and design flexibility while managing the complexity through unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting unit includes an architectural panel having an overall thickness that is measured between a first surface that is configured to be exposed to light output by the lighting unit and a second surface that is opposite the first surface, and a light fixture embedded in the architectural panel. The light fixture includes a solid state light source, an optic, a power supply and a driver circuit that at least partially embedded in the recess of the panel. The light fixture is configured to output light in an output direction extending out away from the first surface of the panel. The light fixture extends from the first surface of the panel in a direction opposite the output direction by a distance that is less than the overall thickness of the architectural panel.