Modular Lighting Fixture With Concealed Functional Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting fixtures attached to the room-facing side of a ceiling panel are easily accessible for non-light-emitting devices, but those concealed in recesses or openings lack accessibility for additional modules, leading to aesthetic and structural complexities when trying to integrate functionalities like sound systems or fire suppression devices.
Innovation Solution
A modular lighting fixture with a tubular main portion and a second portion that extends outwardly, featuring magnetic connection points, spring-loaded lever arms, and intumescent materials for secure and concealed integration of non-light-emitting functional modules, along with power distribution circuitry for various voltage requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If lighting fixtures are concealed in recesses or openings in the ceiling panel, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but accessibility for adding non-light-emitting devices or modules deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting fixture is divided into a fixed recessed housing and a separate removable module. The module can be detached and replaced to add different non-light-emitting functionalities (sound systems, fire suppression, smoke detection) without modifying the ceiling structure or sacrificing aesthetic appearance when the module is installed.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable functional module is nested within the recessed housing structure. When the module is installed, it fills the recessed space and maintains the clean aesthetic appearance. When removed, it allows access to the housing for maintenance or replacement while preserving the overall concealed design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If additional recesses or openings are created in the ceiling panel for non-light-emitting devices, then functionality is improved, but ceiling construction complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single recessed opening in the ceiling panel serves multiple functions by accommodating different removable modules. The same housing structure can contain lighting modules, sound modules, fire suppression modules, or smoke detection modules, eliminating the need for separate ceiling openings for each function and simplifying ceiling construction.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components (lighting, sound, fire suppression, smoke detection) that would traditionally require separate ceiling installations are merged into a single integrated removable module. This consolidation allows all functions to be accessed through one ceiling opening and simplifies the overall ceiling construction while maintaining versatility.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple devices and modules are installed on the ceiling, then functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functions are segmented into a single integrated removable module rather than installing separate devices throughout the ceiling. This consolidation presents a unified aesthetic appearance from the room-facing side while maintaining all desired functionalities within one concealed component.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional subsystems (lighting, sound, fire suppression, smoke detection) are nested within a single module housing that is recessed into the ceiling. The module's external dimensions match the recessed opening, creating a flush, clean aesthetic appearance while housing multiple functions internally.
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 easy and secure integration of non-light-emitting modules while maintaining aesthetic appeal and structural integrity, providing a versatile solution for combining lighting with other functionalities like sound systems or fire safety devices without increasing the fixture's size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The body has a number of magnetic connection points, configured to engage corresponding magnetic connection points on a functional module
Implementation Method 2
one or more spring-loaded lever arms pivotally coupled to the main portion and arranged to cooperate with the second portion to function as a clamp
Implementation Method 3
intumescent materials for secure and concealed integration
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The present invention provides a modular lighting fixture (1) that is capable of receiving interchangeable functional modules (20). The modular lighting fixture (1) comprises a body (10) having a main portion (12) and a second portion (14), the main portion (12) having a hollow interior defining an interior space (100) extending in a longitudinal direction from a first open end of the main portion to a second end of the main portion (12), the second portion (14) being provided at the first end and extends outwardly in a transverse direction, wherein the interior space (100) is configured to receive and retain a functional module (20) configured to provide non-light emitting function; light emitting means (18) are provided on the second portion (14) of the body (10) and configured to emit light.