Parallel Linear Lighting Assembly for T-Bar Ceiling Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Contemporary suspended ceiling arrangements face issues such as chaotic wiring, environmental waste during refurbishment, and health hazards from asbestos and irritant materials, while also being difficult to install, reconfigure, and recycle.
Innovation Solution
A modular ceiling grid lighting assembly with configurable elements that integrate LED boards, optical elements, and support structures for easy installation, reconfiguration, and recycling, featuring linear support elements that can be aligned and coupled to T-bars for various configurations, including power and acoustic modules, and wireless communication for control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional suspended ceiling arrangements are used, then wiring can be hidden above ceiling panels, but wiring becomes scattered and chaotic when modified after installation
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system is divided into modular T-bar units that can be independently installed and configured. Each T-bar module contains integrated wiring channels and mounting points, allowing wiring to be organized in discrete segments rather than chaotic continuous runs throughout the entire ceiling space.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-bar modules are designed to be dynamically reconfigurable after installation. Wiring pathways and functional modules can be adjusted, added, or removed without disrupting the entire ceiling system, maintaining aesthetic appearance while accommodating modifications through structured flexibility.
2Reliability
If conventional suspended ceiling arrangements are replaced during refurbishment, then outdated materials can be removed, but significant waste material is generated that is difficult to recycle
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling system consists of discrete T-bar modules and functional units that can be replaced individually rather than requiring complete system replacement. This modular approach minimizes waste by allowing only defective or outdated specific modules to be removed and recycled, while functional modules remain in place.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular T-bar design facilitates easy disassembly and recovery of materials. Metal T-bars, plastic components, and electronic modules can be separately removed and directed to appropriate recycling streams, significantly reducing landfill waste compared to conventional monolithic ceiling systems.
3Ease of operation
If modular elements are used in ceiling grid lighting assemblies, then installation and reconfiguration become easier, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bar modules are designed as universal components that perform multiple functions: structural support, wiring conduit, mounting platform for lighting and acoustic modules, and aesthetic ceiling element. This multi-functionality reduces the number of different component types needed, simplifying installation despite the sophisticated capabilities of each module.
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting assembly for use in suspended T-Bar ceiling grid systems is provided comprising two linear lighting modules in a novel parallel arrangement. End plates are used to connect, support, and enclose longitudinal ends of the elongate body of each linear lighting modules at a predetermined and configurable spacing apart while simultaneously functioning as reflective faces for internal and external optical cavities. The configured gap spacing between individual linear lighting modules can be used to house and support components such as additional light sources, acoustic or decorative ceiling panels, HVAC components, or power systems, controls or sensors. Additional end plate embodiments can be configured to allow a T-bar to be placed in the configured gap spacing thereby enabling the mounting of the assembly in-line upon the longitudinal axis of a ceiling grid T-bar. Embodiments of linear lighting modules are presented comprising LED light sources, transmissive optical elements, light shaping lenses, reflectors and other functional components supported and housed within the elongate body. The transmissive optical elements are backlit and aligned horizontally or tilted relative to the ceiling grid plane. The linear lighting modules can provide a range of useful symmetric, asymmetric and tilted non-lambertian lighting distributions.