Modular Ceiling Lighting Assembly with Configurable Gap
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary suspended ceiling arrangements face challenges such as complex and chaotic wiring configurations, environmental waste during refurbishment, and health hazards from dust containing potentially harmful materials like asbestos.
Innovation Solution
The development of a modular ceiling system with novel supporting elements that enable multiple configurations of ceiling grid lighting assemblies, including functional modules, ceiling elements, and T-Bar grids, allowing for easier installation, reconfiguration, and recycling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suspended ceiling arrangements are used with T-bars and ceiling panels, then wiring looms can be hidden above ceiling tiles, but the wiring configuration becomes very scattered and chaotic when modified after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the ceiling system into modular functional units (lighting modules, air handling modules, communication modules) that can be independently installed and configured. Each module contains its own wiring harnesses and connections, eliminating the need for scattered wiring looms running throughout the ceiling space. This segmentation allows for clean, organized installations that remain manageable even when modifications are made.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular functional units are designed to perform multiple functions within integrated packages. For example, a single ceiling module can combine lighting, air handling, and communication functions, reducing the overall number of separate wiring systems needed. This multi-functionality simplifies the overall wiring configuration compared to conventional separate systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspended ceiling arrangements are replaced during refurbishment, then updated functionality can be achieved, but a lot of waste material is generated that is not straightforward to recycle or reuse
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system is divided into discrete, interchangeable functional modules that can be individually replaced during refurbishment. When updates are needed, only specific modules (such as lighting or air handling) need to be removed and replaced, rather than dismantling the entire ceiling system. This significantly reduces waste material compared to conventional systems where entire sections must be removed for updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design enables selective removal and replacement of functional modules while retaining the structural ceiling framework and non-functional elements. Removed modules can be refurbished, reused in other locations, or properly recycled, maximizing material recovery and minimizing waste during refurbishment activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If conventional suspended ceiling arrangements are handled during refurbishment, then updates can be made, but hazards of harmful dust falling from structural ceiling can make replacing ceiling arrangements hazardous to health
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the ceiling into modular functional units mounted on a separate framework from the structural ceiling, the invention isolates refurbishment activities to small, localized module replacements. This prevents large-scale demolition that would disturb the structural ceiling and generate harmful dust, confining work to controlled module installation and removal zones.
4Ease of operation
If modular ceiling system with functional modules is used, then installation and reconfiguration become easier, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The modular functional units are designed with standardized interfaces, mounting mechanisms, and connection protocols that enable easy installation and reconfiguration. Each module is a self-contained unit with integrated components, reducing the overall system complexity despite the modular structure. The universality of the module design allows for simple swap-out operations without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire ceiling system.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly for use in suspended T-Bar ceiling grid systems is provided comprising two linear lighting modules in a novel parallel arrangement. End plates are used to connect, support, and enclose longitudinal ends of the elongate body of each linear lighting modules at a predetermined and configurable spacing apart while simultaneously functioning as reflective faces for internal and external optical cavities. The configured gap spacing between individual linear lighting modules can be used to house and support components such as additional light sources, acoustic or decorative ceiling panels, HVAC components, or power systems, controls or sensors. Additional end plate embodiments can be configured to allow a T-bar to be placed in the configured gap spacing thereby enabling the mounting of the assembly in-line upon the longitudinal axis of a ceiling grid T-bar. Embodiments of linear lighting modules are presented comprising LED light sources, transmissive optical elements, light shaping lenses, reflectors and other functional components supported and housed within the elongate body. The transmissive optical elements may be backlit or edgelit from one or two sides and aligned horizontally or tilted relative to the ceiling grid plane. The linear lighting modules can provide a range of useful symmetric, asymmetric and tilted non-lambertian lighting distributions.