Retrofit Light Assembly Brackets for Uniform Illumination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Old lighting fixtures are inefficient, leading to high energy consumption and uneven light distribution, and replacing them is costly and hazardous due to the need for ceiling access, which poses environmental and safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A retrofit system that uses mounting brackets, reflectors, and a shielding mechanism to replace outdated components within existing light fixture housings, ensuring consistent light distribution without requiring ceiling access, and can fit various housing sizes and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If the entire light fixture is replaced with a more efficient fixture, then energy efficiency is improved, but installation cost and complexity increase due to the need for ceiling access and potential asbestos removal
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the light fixture into two separable parts: the housing (which remains in place) and the internal components (which are replaced). This segmentation allows the retrofit kit to be installed without removing the housing, thereby avoiding ceiling access requirements and associated complexities while still replacing the energy-consuming components with efficient LED modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the internal components (lamps, ballasts, sockets, wiring) from the existing fixture housing and replaces them with a pre-assembled LED retrofit kit. This extraction allows the housing to remain installed in the ceiling while the energy-intensive components are removed and replaced, achieving energy efficiency improvements without the complexity of full fixture replacement.
2Ease of manufacture
If traditional retrofit components are used that are attached to the housing, then installation is simpler, but the light distribution varies between different housing sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention incorporates an adjustable mounting bracket with movable positioning mechanisms that allow the reflector and lens assembly to be dynamically repositioned within the housing. This adjustability enables the same retrofit kit to achieve optimal light distribution in housings of varying sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for custom-components for each housing type while maintaining installation ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention allows for parameter adjustments in the positioning of the LED module, reflector, and lens assembly relative to the housing. By changing the spatial parameters (distance from ceiling, angular orientation, lateral position) of these components, the system achieves consistent light distribution across different housing configurations without requiring custom-manufactured parts.
3Illumination intensity
If more lamps are used to eliminate shadows, then light distribution is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses a curved or angled reflector surface behind the LED light source to redirect and diffuse light in multiple directions. This curved reflector geometry distributes light more uniformly across the ceiling and surrounding areas, eliminating shadows that would otherwise require additional lamps to correct, thereby maintaining good light distribution with a single energy-efficient LED lamp.
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
The retrofit system provides a cost-effective and safe solution for updating lighting fixtures by maintaining uniform light distribution and reducing energy consumption without exposing workers to hazardous ceiling environments.
Implementation Method 1
reflector(s)
Implementation Method 2
lens assembly
Data Source
AI summary
Retrofit systems for replacing the outdated components of an existing light fixture. The retrofit systems may utilize the previously installed housing of the existing light fixture. The retrofit systems include brackets that are positioned on the ends of the housing. The positioning of the brackets is based off of the ceiling, t-grid, or the bottom of the housing. Lamp sockets with associated lamps, an optional ballast tray with associated ballast, reflector(s), lamps, and a shielding mechanism are all mounted on, and their position in the housing dictated by, the mounting brackets. Thus, regardless of the depth of the housing, the lamps are positioned a uniform distance from the ceiling opening to create consistent light distribution. Moreover, because these components are not directly attached to the housing, their dimensions need not precisely match those of the housing. Rather, the retrofit system can be installed in housings of varying sizes and shapes.