Ventilation Grille With Integrated Lighting and Reflector Concealment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lighting and ventilating systems often have an unaesthetic appearance, inefficient designs, inadequate ventilation, and harsh or uncontrolled lighting, failing to provide a balanced distribution of light and air effectively.
Innovation Solution
A ventilating and illumination system featuring a main housing with a blower and reflector system that includes primary and secondary reflectors to conceal the light source and intake gap, using a light source like LEDs, and a blower to generate air flow, optimizing light distribution and ventilation while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing configuration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional lighting and ventilating systems are used, then ventilation and illumination functions are provided, but the appearance is bulky and unaesthetic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines lighting and ventilation functions into a single integrated fixture. The light fixture housing serves dual purposes as both a light enclosure and a ventilation unit housing, with the fan assembly integrated into the same structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate bulky components while providing both illumination and ventilation functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the fan assembly within the light fixture housing. The fan blades are positioned within the housing cavity, with the motor housing nested inside the same space. The grille structure is integrated into the housing walls, creating a compact nested arrangement where ventilation components are contained within the lighting structure.
2Illumination intensity
If conventional lighting systems with reflectors are used, then light direction is controlled, but the light source becomes harsh and too intense for direct viewing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different reflector surfaces with varying properties to control light distribution. The first reflector has a reflective surface facing the light source to redirect light, while the second reflector has a translucent diffuser surface that scatters light. This local variation in reflector quality creates soft, diffused lighting in certain directions while maintaining directional control, eliminating harsh direct light.
3Shape
If the light source and intake gap are concealed from direct line of sight, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but ventilation efficiency may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent conceals the intake gap by positioning it in a location not directly visible from the front viewing angle, utilizing the third dimension of space. The grille is integrated into the housing walls with the intake gap positioned at an angle or depth that hides it from direct line of sight while maintaining its functional opening for air flow. This dimensional positioning achieves both aesthetic concealment and functional efficiency.
4Shape
If a compact integrated design is used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but adequate cooling of light sources may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent ensures continuous air flow through the compact housing by designing uninterrupted air passages. The grille provides continuous intake openings along the housing walls, and the fan assembly is positioned to create continuous suction through the housing cavity. The air flow path is designed without dead zones or blockages, maintaining continuous cooling action despite the compact size.
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 system provides a balanced and aesthetically pleasing combination of ventilation and illumination, ensuring adequate light distribution and air flow while effectively cooling the light sources and reducing harsh lighting, thus improving energy efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a blower configured and arranged to generate a flow of air through the intake gap and into the main housing internal volume
Implementation Method 2
a reflector system comprising a first primary reflector, a second primary reflector configured and arranged to define an intake gap between the first primary reflector and the second primary reflector, and a secondary reflector located over the intake gap; a light source configured and arranged to generate light wherein at least some of the light will be redirected by the reflector system
Data Source
AI summary
A grille assembly for a ventilation system, the grille comprising a first primary reflector, a second primary reflector configured and arranged to define an intake gap between the first primary reflector and the second primary reflector, and a secondary reflector located over the intake gap to conceal the intake gap from view; a light source on one of the first and second primary reflectors and configured and arranged to generate light wherein at least some of the light will be redirected by both the primary and secondary reflectors.