Partially Lighted T-Bar Ceiling Grid Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing T-bar systems for suspended ceilings lack flexibility in lighting configurations, as they primarily provide linear lighting perpendicular to long T-bars, limiting the ability to create various lighting patterns and failing to offer options for both functional and aesthetic purposes.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of partially lighted T-bars, which have a portion of their length equipped with LED lights and the remainder without, allowing for customizable lighting arrangements by combining with fully lighted, partially lighted, and unlit T-bars to create diverse patterns, including right-angle lighting and emergency pathway illumination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If fully lighted T-bars are used throughout the suspended ceiling, then uniform lighting coverage is achieved, but lighting flexibility and ability to create various patterns is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The T-bar is divided into distinct lighted and unlighted segments along its length. Each segment can be independently controlled, allowing the system to transition from uniform lighting to patterned lighting by selectively activating specific segments through the modular connector system.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the T-bar system have different lighting properties - some sections are lighted while others are unlighted. This local differentiation enables creation of various lighting patterns and designs while maintaining adequate coverage where needed.
2Device complexity
If only long T-bars with perpendicular lighting are used, then structural simplicity is maintained, but lighting configuration options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The modular T-bar system with standardized connectors serves multiple functions: it maintains structural simplicity through standardized components while enabling diverse lighting configurations through selective assembly of lighted and unlighted segments in various orientations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting configuration becomes dynamic and adaptable through the modular connector system, allowing the ceiling grid to be reconfigured for different lighting patterns and designs without requiring complete structural redesign.
3Illumination intensity
If LED lights are integrated throughout the entire T-bar length, then continuous lighting is provided, but energy consumption and heat generation increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing excessive lighting throughout the entire T-bar length, the system applies partial lighting only where needed through selectively positioned lighted segments, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining adequate illumination for functional requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting system allows parameter changes in terms of lighting density and distribution by varying the proportion and placement of lighted versus unlighted T-bar segments, enabling optimization between illumination levels and energy consumption based on specific application requirements.
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 maximum lighting flexibility, enabling the creation of complex patterns and enhancing safety features like emergency lighting, while minimizing structural requirements and energy usage.
Implementation Method 1
a light source, such as a light emitting diode (LED), on a lower side of the T-bar
Implementation Method 2
the upper leg of the T-bar is configured to include heat transfer fins so that heat can be effectively dissipated away from the LEDs and outside of an air conditioned space below the suspended ceiling and into the utility space above the suspended ceiling
Data Source
Figure 1~3
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Figure 5~9
AI summary
The partially lit T-bar includes a spine with a rest shelf at a lower portion thereof. The rest shelf supports adjacent ceiling tiles. The under surface of the rest shelf includes a lighting module on a portion and a plain unlit undersurface on other portions. Additional T-bars which are shorter, and typically fully lit or fully unlit and half the length of the partially lit T-bar are also provided which can attach at ends or near a midpoint of the partially lit T-bar and typically perpendicularly thereto. A great variety of lighting patterns in a dropped ceiling is thus facilitated. Each of the T-bars preferably also includes a heat sink on an upper portion of the spine and also preferably a lower heat sink on an upper portion of the rest shelf. Heat associated with the light element of the T-bar can thus be drawn away from a space below the ceiling.