Ventilation kit and recessed light fixture assembly with ventilation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing recessed light fixtures with integrated ventilation require complete replacement, leading to increased complexity and cost, while also reducing the light transmission area.

Innovation Solution

A ventilation kit that couples to existing recessed light fixtures without altering their structure, using supporting members with through-holes for air circulation, allowing for integration of ventilation without reducing the light transmission area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If existing recessed light fixtures are completely replaced with integrated ventilation fixtures, then ventilation function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation functionVSAvoidfixture structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the ventilation kit with the existing recessed light fixture by coupling supporting members to the fixture housing, merging two separate functions (lighting and ventilation) into a single integrated assembly without replacing the entire fixture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the ventilation kit, creates sealing engagement between components, and enables airflow passage while maintaining the original lighting function of the recessed fixture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing recessed light fixtures are completely replaced with integrated ventilation fixtures, then ventilation function is achieved, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation functionVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation system is segmented into separate components (ventilation kit and supporting members) that can be manufactured independently and installed separately from the existing recessed light fixture, reducing overall system cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The supporting member acts as an intermediary component that connects the ventilation kit to the existing recessed fixture, enabling ventilation functionality without requiring replacement of the entire expensive fixture assembly

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the dimension of light fixture housing and light diffusion plate is reduced to make space for air vent, then ventilation is integrated, but light transmission area is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation integrationVSAvoidlight transmission area

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ventilation openings are positioned on the housing structure in areas that do not interfere with the light diffusion plate's light transmission path, utilizing three-dimensional space arrangement to accommodate both functions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing structure is segmented to include separate regions for lighting (maintaining full light transmission area) and ventilation (with openings positioned in non-critical areas), allowing both functions to coexist without compromise

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If supporting members are added to couple recessed light fixture with ceiling grid, then ventilation kit installation is enabled, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveventilation kit installationVSAvoidmounting structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The supporting member is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides mechanical support, creates sealing engagement through its configuration, and enables the ventilation kit to be mounted on standard ceiling grids without additional specialized hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 installation of ventilation features in existing recessed light fixtures, maintaining the original light transmission area and reducing the need for costly replacements.

Implementation Method 1

at least one through-hole in the supporting member is for fluid flow, and can be used for the flow of fluid between the space below the recessed light fixture and the space above the recessed light fixture

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10371371B2Ventilation kit and recessed light fixture assembly with ventilation

Publication Date: 2019.08.06 GE LIGHTING SOLUTIONS LLC

AI summary

This invention provides a ventilation kit adapted to be coupled to a recessed light fixture, and comprises two supporting members. The first is adapted to be coupled with at least one edge of the recessed light fixture, while the second is adapted to be coupled with the grid system of the ceiling. There is also through-hole for air circulation. Mounting the ventilation kit onto an existing recessed light fixture enables the existing recessed light fixtures to have either an air supply or air return ventilation feature. This invention also discloses a recessed light fixture assembly with either an air supply or air return ventilation feature.