Modular Ceiling Grid Lighting Assembly with T-Bar Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional ceiling grid systems face issues with structural integrity, aesthetic appeal, complex retrofitting, high installation and maintenance costs, inefficient energy usage, and environmental concerns due to waste generation during refurbishment.
Innovation Solution
A modular ceiling grid lighting assembly that integrates structural support with lighting components, featuring a linear support element and optical elements, allowing for easy installation, reconfiguration, and recycling, while providing customizable light distribution and energy efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional ceiling grid systems are used, then structural support is provided, but structural integrity deteriorates over time and aesthetic appeal is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling grid system is divided into modular T-Bar sections that can be independently replaced. The linear support element is a separate modular component that can be installed on existing T-Bars, allowing selective replacement of only the deteriorated sections rather than the entire ceiling grid system.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear support element integrates multiple materials and functions: structural support components (metal T-Bar interfaces), lighting components (LED modules, optical elements), and aesthetic elements (diffusers, covers). This composite approach creates a unified assembly that simultaneously addresses structural, functional, and aesthetic requirements.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting fixtures are installed on ceiling grids, then illumination is provided, but installation and maintenance costs are high
Solution Approach 1:
The linear support element merges structural support, lighting, and aesthetic functions into a single integrated component. The LED lighting modules are directly mounted on the linear support element, eliminating the need for separate fixture installations and reducing overall system complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear support element serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for ceiling panels, houses and mounts lighting modules, and offers aesthetic coverage through diffusers and covers. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies installation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional ceiling grid arrangements are used, then basic support is provided, but adaptability for different lighting configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The linear support element incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features, allowing lighting modules to be positioned at different locations and orientations along the T-Bar. The modular design enables easy reconfiguration of lighting patterns to accommodate different spatial and functional requirements without replacing the entire system.
4Reliability
If ceiling grid systems are refurbished, then functionality is restored, but environmental impact increases due to waste
Solution Approach 1:
The modular linear support element design enables selective replacement of only the deteriorated or obsolete components (lighting modules, specific T-Bar sections) while retaining functional T-Bars and ceiling panels. This selective replacement minimizes waste material and reduces the environmental impact of refurbishment activities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure generally relates to lighting assemblies, and more specifically, to a configurable modular lighting assembly for use within a ceiling grid system. The lighting assembly is easy to install and delivers lighting distributions tailored to optimally illuminate the surface ceiling panels as well as floors, walls and work surfaces below. The configurable modular ceiling grid lighting assembly comprises both standard ceiling grid components such as T-Bar, ceiling panels and suspension cables as well as novel linear support elements with integrated or removable optical assemblies and covering elements. When installed the ceiling grid lighting assembly provided further comprises ceiling panels that are held in-line, above, below or tilted relative to the existing ceiling grid plane and as such provide both aesthetically pleasing features and useful lighting distributions. Further embodiments illustrate how both appearance and lighting distributions can be controlled by selectively applying electrical power to individual light source channels.