T-Bar Cross Member for Post-Installed Strip Lighting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling grid systems face challenges when integrating strip lighting, particularly in large commercial projects, as it often requires separate contracts and can complicate access to the ceiling area, and existing solutions either embed lighting in the grid or require modifications to panels.
Innovation Solution
A T-bar ceiling grid system with bayonet type fasteners and an elongate connecting member featuring downwardly extending stabilizing arms and a thermal transfer head, allowing for the securement of strip lights after the grid system is installed, using releasable spring clips and heat distribution fins for efficient heat dissipation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If strip lighting is embedded in the grid system, then lighting integration is achieved, but access to ceiling area becomes difficult and separate contracts are required
Solution Approach 1:
The cross member is segmented into functional zones: the elongate connecting member provides structural support while the downwardly extending stabilizing arms create a dedicated securing gap for light strips. This segmentation allows the grid system and lighting to be installed separately while maintaining integration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The downwardly extending stabilizing arms act as an intermediary structure between the grid system and light strips. They provide a securing gap that receives spring clips, enabling light attachment without modifying panels or requiring access above the ceiling.
2Ease of operation
If strip lighting is installed after grid system installation, then separate contracts are enabled, but secure mounting becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The cross members are pre-equipped with downwardly extending stabilizing arms and securing gaps during grid system installation. This preliminary preparation enables electricians to easily mount light strips later using spring clips that engage with the pre-positioned arms, ensuring secure mounting while maintaining separate contracts.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring clips provide a dynamic mounting solution that allows for easy installation and removal of light strips. The clips engage with the stabilizing arms through the securing gap, creating a reliable yet flexible connection that accommodates post-installation lighting additions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If panels are modified for lighting installation, then lighting integration is achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The downwardly extending stabilizing arms serve multiple functions: they provide structural support for the light strips, create the securing gap for spring clips, and eliminate the need for panel modifications. This multi-functionality maintains ease of manufacture while achieving lighting integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting mounting function is extracted from the panels and transferred to the cross members. The stabilizing arms and securing gaps are provided on the cross members themselves, eliminating the need to modify panels for lighting installation and simplifying manufacturing.
4Temperature
If thermal management is added to cross members, then heat dissipation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal management function is merged with the structural cross member by incorporating heat distribution fins into the elongate connecting member. This integration provides effective heat dissipation for LED strips while avoiding the need for separate thermal management components, thus not increasing overall device complexity.
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 the separate installation of the ceiling grid system from lighting, simplifying the process by allowing strip lighting to be added at predetermined locations post-grid installation, with secure and easy removal of lights, while maintaining structural integrity and heat management.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal transfer head above and joined to the downwardly extending stabilizing arms... the thermal transfer head includes a series of heat distribution fins extending outwardly therefrom
Implementation Method 2
heat distribution fins extending outwardly therefrom... for efficient heat dissipation
Data Source
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AI summary
A cross member of a T bar ceiling system is designed to be part of the ceiling grid system and adapted to releasably receive a strip light beneath the cross T member. The strip light provides support flanges beneath the T member for supporting a ceiling panel edge at the conventional height. With this arrangement the grid system can be installed in the normal manner with these cross T's at positions where strip lights are to be secured. The strip lights can be installed at a later point in time. Preferably a push type releasable connection is used.