Trimless Recessed Lighting Retrofit via Junction Box Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lighting solutions, such as incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, are inefficient and require frequent replacements, especially in hard-to-reach areas, leading to high maintenance costs and energy wastage, while solid state lighting solutions like LEDs face challenges in heat management and widespread adoption for general illumination.
Innovation Solution
A lighting device comprising a trim element and solid state light emitters, where the trim element is designed to fit within a junction box space, allowing for the installation of LEDs without removing the existing junction box, mimicking the functionality of a recessed downlight while maintaining energy efficiency and long operational life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If solid state light emitters (LEDs) are used to replace incandescent and fluorescent bulbs, then energy efficiency and operational lifetime are improved, but heat management becomes a critical challenge
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a heat sink as an intermediary component between the LED and the surrounding environment. The heat sink acts as a thermal mediator that captures heat generated by the LED and dissipates it into the surrounding air, preventing heat accumulation that would otherwise degrade LED performance and lifetime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the heat management function from the LED assembly by separating the heat dissipation pathway. The heat sink is designed as a distinct component that specifically handles thermal extraction, allowing the LED to focus on light generation while thermal management is handled by the dedicated heat dissipation structure.
2Illumination intensity
If recessed downlight fixtures are installed to achieve aesthetic and functional lighting, then illumination quality is improved, but installation complexity and renovation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lighting system into modular components: a standard junction box (existing infrastructure), a trimless downlight fixture (new lighting component), and a diffuser assembly (light distribution component). This segmentation allows the lighting upgrade to be implemented without replacing the entire fixture, reducing installation complexity while maintaining illumination quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mounting system that adapts to standard junction boxes already present in buildings. The trimless downlight fixture is designed with universal mounting features that accommodate various junction box configurations, eliminating the need for custom installations or extensive renovations while achieving recessed downlight functionality.
3Loss of energy
If traditional lighting fixtures are replaced with LED fixtures, then energy consumption is reduced, but maintenance costs remain high due to difficult access for bulb replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service maintenance design where the LED module is integrated directly into the junction box with accessible wiring connections. The modular design allows the LED module to be easily removed and replaced from above without requiring disassembly of the ceiling or access to hard-to-reach areas, enabling maintenance personnel to service the lighting from a convenient position.
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 energy-efficient and long-lasting lighting with reduced maintenance needs by integrating LEDs within a standard junction box, providing a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional lighting fixtures without the need for extensive renovations.
Implementation Method 1
Solid state light emitters (e.g., light emitting diodes) are receiving much attention due to their energy efficiency
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting device comprising a junction box, a trim element and a solid state light emitter, at least a portion of a space defined by regions of the trim element within a space defined by regions of the junction box, the light emitter within the trim element space. A lighting device comprising a trim element (with at least two regions) and a solid state light emitter, in which at least a first part of the first region can be positioned in a first space with the second region outside the first space, the light emitter within the first part. A lighting device, comprising a trim element (which comprises at least two regions), part of an exterior of which defines a first space, at least a first part of the first region within the first space, a solid state light emitter within the first part. Methods of installing a light emitter.