Ceiling-Recessed Luminaire With Flanges For T-Grid Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing indoor lighting solutions for suspended T-grid ceilings often require complex installation methods and may not seamlessly integrate with the ceiling grid, limiting design flexibility and retrofit applications.
Innovation Solution
A luminaire design featuring an elongated body with longitudinal flanges that fits between T-bars, allowing for easy installation and retention, along with a connector to couple adjacent luminaires, creating a continuous linear appearance and simplifying the installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional independent support clips or hanger bars are used for suspended fixtures, then the luminaire can be installed on T-grid ceilings, but the installation process becomes complex and the luminaires do not create a seamless linear appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple luminaires into a single integrated assembly that installs as one unit between T-bars. The luminaire body includes integrated mounting features and housing that encompass multiple light sources, replacing the need for separate support clips or hanger bars for each individual luminaire, thereby simplifying the installation process while maintaining a seamless appearance.
2Ease of operation
If suspended lighting products are used on an offset parallel plane to the ceiling, then installation is simplified and rows do not interfere with the ceiling grid, but the luminaires do not create a continuous linear appearance integrated with the ceiling
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire body is designed to nest within the T-bar grid structure, with the housing positioned between the T-bars and the light-emitting surface aligned with the ceiling plane. This nesting approach allows the luminaire to be integrated into the ceiling grid without requiring an offset parallel plane installation, creating a continuous linear appearance while maintaining ease of installation through the modular design that fits standard T-bar dimensions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional luminaire designs are used for retrofit applications, then existing fixtures can be replaced, but the installation process is time-consuming and does not provide design flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire assembly is pre-configured with integrated mounting features, electrical connections, and structural components assembled into a ready-to-install unit. The housing, light sources, and mounting mechanisms are prepared in advance as a complete assembly that can be quickly installed between T-bars during retrofit applications, significantly reducing on-site installation time while maintaining adaptability to existing ceiling grids.
4Area of stationary object
If multiple separate luminaires are installed to create linear lighting, then coverage can be achieved, but the installation becomes complex and the seamless appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The luminaire assembly is segmented into modular sections that can be independently manufactured and then quickly connected during installation. Each module contains complete lighting functionality and can be installed in sequence between T-bars, allowing coverage of large areas while maintaining simple installation through the modular, repeatable assembly process. The segmented design enables flexible configuration to match different ceiling grid layouts.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the invention include a luminaire with an elongated luminaire body and at least one longitudinal luminaire flange each of which extend longitudinally from one end of the luminaire body. The luminaire body being shorter than the luminaire length measured from the ends of both longitudinal luminaire flanges. The luminaire body can include a channel with a plurality of light sources, optical elements, power lines, and/or control lines. A connector is also disclosed according to some embodiments of the invention that can be used to physically and/or electrically couple two luminaires together. The connector can couple the luminaires at a T-bar.