Ceiling tile with built-in air flow mechanism

What is this patent about?

’857 is related to the field of indoor environmental control, specifically integrated ceiling systems that manage air circulation, air quality, and illumination. The invention addresses the dual challenges of maintaining consistent air movement in spaces with static HVAC systems and managing the significant heat generated by high-efficiency LED lighting, which can degrade performance and lifespan if not properly dissipated.

The underlying idea behind ’857 is to transform a standard ceiling tile into an active thermal management and air purification hub by integrating axial fans directly into the tile footprint. By utilizing the space behind the tile as a structured plenum, the system creates a forced-air cooling loop that draws air from the room, passes it over heat-sensitive electronics, and exhausts it back into the space. This localized airflow serves the critical dual purpose of cooling LED strips to extend their operational life while simultaneously providing a vehicle for air decontamination.

The claims of ’857 focus on a modular ceiling tile assembly that incorporates at least one fan, a series of vents, and a specialized baffle system that defines internal airways. Independent claim 1 specifies a configuration with multiple in-line fans and LED strips, where the baffle directs air through distinct paths to maximize coverage. Independent claim 10 introduces an air-purifying variant that integrates a UV light source within the internal airway, utilizing reflective materials to maximize germicidal exposure while shielding occupants from radiation.

In practice, the system functions by pulling air through a central intake and using an internal apex or diversion mechanism to split the flow into lateral channels. These channels are lined with UV-reflective material, such as stainless steel, to create a high-intensity disinfection zone. As air travels through these internal passages, it absorbs waste heat from the LED fixtures before being pushed out through exhaust vents. This movement ensures that the air returned to the room is both cooler and biologically cleaner than the air at the intake.

This approach differs from prior solutions by consolidating lighting, ventilation, and purification into a single unit that fits the standard dimensions of a commercial ceiling grid. Unlike traditional troffers that suffer from heat entrapment, this design uses active axial fans to maintain a laminar flow across the light source, significantly reducing operating temperatures. Furthermore, by containing the UV disinfection process within an internal, screened baffle, the system provides continuous air sterilization without the safety risks associated with exposed ultraviolet lamps.