Modular Edge-Lit Fixture Retrofit Without Ceiling Plenum Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing troffer-style lighting systems face challenges in upgrading to LED sources, requiring costly and time-consuming complete fixture replacement, which can disturb ceiling plenums and necessitate licensed electrician work, and current retrofit options are inefficient or labor-intensive.
Innovation Solution
A modular edge-lit fixture system that can be installed within existing lighting systems without penetrating the ceiling plenum, using a framing system to attach to a T-grid infrastructure, comprising a housing with collapsible components and snap-fit attachments for LED light panels, allowing easy installation and minimal material use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If complete fixture replacement is performed to upgrade to LED sources, then lighting efficiency and lifetime are improved, but installation cost and time increase due to requiring licensed electricians and ceiling plenum penetration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the lighting system into separate components: the existing fixture housing remains in place while only the light source module needs replacement. This segmentation allows the light engine to be independently upgraded without replacing the entire fixture, reducing installation complexity and time while achieving LED efficiency benefits
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a retrofittable light engine as an intermediary component that interfaces with the existing fixture housing. This light engine module serves as a bridge between the old fixture infrastructure and new LED technology, allowing upgrade without complete replacement and eliminating the need for licensed electrician intervention in ceiling work
2Use of energy by moving object
If complete fixture replacement is performed, then LED efficiency is achieved, but ceiling integrity is compromised and dust contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts only the light source component from the complete fixture replacement process. By removing and replacing only the light engine module while leaving the fixture housing intact, the solution achieves LED energy efficiency without disturbing the ceiling plenum, preventing dust generation and maintaining ceiling integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The fixture housing is prepared in advance with appropriate mounting interfaces and openings that anticipate the light engine replacement. This preliminary configuration allows the light engine to be installed or replaced from below the ceiling without requiring ceiling penetration or plenum access, preventing contamination throughout the process
3Strength
If traditional mounting methods are used for LED light engines, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic mounting system with spring-loaded clips and snap-fit mechanisms that automatically engage and secure the light engine to the fixture housing. This dynamic attachment system provides secure mounting while requiring minimal manual intervention, significantly加快ing installation speed compared to traditional screw-and-bracket methods
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting clips and snap-fit features are designed to self-align and self-secure the light engine in the correct position during installation. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically engages with corresponding features on the fixture housing, eliminating the need for precise alignment or multiple fastening steps, thereby improving installation productivity while maintaining secure attachment
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Facilitates quick and cost-effective upgrading to LED lighting with reduced material and labor costs, maintaining ceiling integrity, and enabling uniform light distribution without disturbing the plenum, suitable for various ceiling configurations.
Implementation Method 1
LEDs are solid state devices that convert electric energy to light and generally comprise one or more active regions of semiconductor material interposed between oppositely doped semiconductor layers. When a bias is applied across the doped layers, holes and electrons are injected into the active region where they recombine to generate light.
Implementation Method 2
An elongated lens is shaped to define an internal optical cavity. At least some light emitted from the at least one light source is emitted into the optical cavity and impinges on the exit side of the lens.
Data Source
AI summary
An edge lit fixture. A housing provides the basic shape and structure of the fixture. The housing is constructed from discrete segments including lens frames, side frames, and end frames, which can be used in many different combinations to create the desired fixture. The assembled housing defines an open central area. One or more light panels are arranged around the perimeter of the housing such that at least some of the light is emitted toward the central area. The open central area of the housing allows for existing materials, such as a ceiling tile, for example, to function as a back surface of the fixture.