Modular LED Ceiling Grid Lighting Without Tile Cutting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing LED drop-ceiling lighting systems face challenges in fitting seamlessly into standard ceiling grids without requiring modifications to ceiling tiles, compromising aesthetic integrity and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An LED lighting system comprising elongated interconnectable light segments with integrated plugs and mounts that connect to a drop ceiling system, allowing flexible configuration and seamless integration without disrupting the ceiling's appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If LED fixtures are made compact to reduce footprint, then energy efficiency and longevity improve, but the fixtures have difficulty fitting into standard ceiling grids without cutting ceiling tiles
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is divided into modular segments that can be configured in different patterns (linear, L-shaped, U-shaped, etc.). Each module contains LED components and can be independently installed, allowing the system to adapt to standard ceiling grid dimensions without requiring tile modifications while maintaining compact footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional two-dimensional ceiling tile coverage to three-dimensional installation by extending modules vertically and horizontally. The adjustable arms and positioning mechanisms allow fixtures to occupy space in multiple dimensions, enabling compact LED designs to fit within standard grid openings without cutting tiles.
2Volume of moving object
If LED fixtures are made compact to reduce footprint, then space utilization improves, but the fixtures become bulky when designed to follow grid edges
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the lighting system into smaller modular units, the patent achieves compact footprint while distributing weight across multiple lightweight components. Each module can be independently positioned along grid edges without creating a single bulky structure, maintaining both space efficiency and weight reduction benefits of LED technology.
3Ease of operation
If traditional lighting solutions are used to occupy entire ceiling tiles, then installation is simplified, but the aesthetic integrity of the ceiling is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses segmented modular fixtures that can be precisely positioned within ceiling grid openings without requiring full tile coverage. This allows standard ceiling tiles to remain intact and flush, preserving aesthetic integrity while maintaining simple installation procedures through modular assembly and grid-compatible mounting mechanisms.
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
Enables efficient power delivery and customizable lighting configurations while maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the ceiling, reducing installation complexity and enhancing the overall appearance.
Implementation Method 1
LED (Light Emitting Diode) lighting system
Implementation Method 2
The power cable can be capable of receiving power from an external power source and delivering the power to the plurality of elongated interconnectable light segments
Data Source
AI summary
An Improved light-emitting diode lighting system is described. The system can comprise a plurality of elongated interconnectable light segments and a plurality of mounts. Each end of the light segment can comprise an integrated plug. Each mount can be configured to connect to and end of the light segments, and each mount can comprise an enclosure having an opening that comprises a first socket connector compatible with the plug. A bracket can extend from the enclosure such that when the mounts are assembled with the plurality of elongated interconnectable light segments, the brackets rest on a top surface of a drop ceiling system while the enclosure rests at least partially below the top surface of the drop ceiling system. One of the mounts can comprise a power cable capable of receiving power from an external power source and delivering the power to the elongated interconnectable light segments.