Modular Troffer Lighting Panels for Uniform Color and Space Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional troffer-style lighting fixtures face challenges with space consumption in ceiling plenums and optical losses due to the use of multiple LED sources, which can result in non-uniform color emission and require complex power supply systems that are difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates modular solid state lighting panels with individual power supplies and DC/DC converters, allowing for flexible mounting and easy replacement, along with optical arrangements like waveguides and diffusers to achieve uniform light emission and reduce space usage in ceiling plenums.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If conventional troffer-style fixtures use multiple LED sources with specular reflectors, then light output is achieved, but color uniformity deteriorates and optical loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixture is divided into multiple independent light modules, each containing a single LED source with its own diffuser. This segmentation allows each module to emit uniform light independently, and the combination of multiple modules achieves both high light output and uniform color distribution across the entire fixture.
Solution Approach 2:
A diffuser is introduced as an intermediary element between the LED source and the output. The diffuser scatters the light from each LED source, eliminating the color separation and non-uniformity that would otherwise occur with direct emission or specular reflection, thereby achieving uniform color output.
2Manufacturing precision
If heavily diffusive elements are used to mix color spectra from various sources, then color uniformity is improved, but optical loss increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using heavy diffusers to mix light from multiple sources, the system segments the light sources themselves, with each source having its own diffuser. This approach achieves color uniformity through spatial distribution of multiple uniform sources rather than through intensive light mixing, thereby reducing optical loss.
3Temperature
If conventional troffer fixtures are designed with back side heat dissipation elements, then cooling is achieved, but ceiling plenum space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light modules are designed to be mounted in a planar arrangement within the troffer fixture, utilizing the two-dimensional mounting surface efficiently. This dimensional optimization allows adequate heat dissipation through the fixture structure without requiring excessive depth into the ceiling plenum, thereby reducing space consumption while maintaining thermal management.
4Ease of repair
If modular lighting panels with individual power supplies are used, then ease of replacement is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented and integrated into individual light modules rather than using a single centralized power supply. This segmentation allows each module to be independently replaced, greatly simplifying maintenance and repair while the modular design keeps each individual power supply unit compact and manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular light modules are designed with universal mounting and electrical connection interfaces, allowing the same module design to be used throughout the fixture. This universality simplifies the overall system architecture despite having multiple power supplies, as each module is a standardized, self-contained unit.
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
This solution provides efficient, flexible, and cost-effective lighting solutions with improved color uniformity and reduced maintenance complexity by using modular panels with integrated power supplies and optical dispersion techniques, minimizing space usage and enabling quick panel replacement.
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
optical arrangements like waveguides and diffusers to achieve uniform light emission
Data Source
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AI summary
Lighting fixtures (10) are described utilizing a plurality of light sources, or light engines, which are mounted together in a modular fashion in the light fixture opening (14). In some embodiments, the plurality of light sources can comprise lighting panels (18) that together form the overall fixture light source. The present invention is particularly applicable to troffer-style lighting fixtures that can be arranged with a plurality of lighting panels (18) arranged in the troffer opening (14) to illuminate the space below the troffer. Embodiments of the present invention can also utilize solid state light sources for the lighting panels (18), with some embodiments utilizing light emitting diodes (LEDs) (28).