Ceiling tile with built-in air flow mechanism and UV air purifying device

What is this patent about?

’141 is related to the field of indoor environmental control, specifically focusing on integrated ceiling systems that combine air circulation, lighting, and air purification. The invention addresses the dual challenges of maintaining air quality and providing efficient LED illumination within the standard footprint of commercial ceiling tiles, such as those used in drop-ceiling grids.

The underlying idea behind ’141 is to transform a standard ceiling tile into an active kill zone for airborne pathogens by integrating a high-velocity axial fan with a UV-C irradiation chamber. The system leverages the internal volume of the ceiling tile to create a labyrinthine airway where air is forced past UV-C light sources. By using reflective internal surfaces and strategically placed baffles, the design maximizes the time air spends exposed to germicidal radiation while simultaneously preventing harmful UV leakage into the room below.

The claims of ’141 focus on an air purifying device built into a ceiling tile structure that utilizes an upper baffle to define an internal airway between a fan and an exhaust vent. The independent claims specifically protect the use of internal guide members coated with UV-reflective material that serve a dual purpose: they direct airflow to increase exposure time to a UV-C light source (200–280 nm) and act as physical light traps to ensure the UV radiation remains contained within the device housing.

In practice, the device functions as a decentralized air handler that supplements a building's primary HVAC system. An axial fan draws air upward from the room, pushing it through a series of internal channels where it is irradiated. The inclusion of stepped-fan blades allows the unit to move significant volumes of air—between 85 and 150 cubic feet per minute—at lower speeds, which reduces acoustic noise and energy consumption while maintaining the laminar flow necessary for efficient cooling of adjacent LED strips.

This invention differentiates itself from prior art by integrating thermal management and air purification into a single, low-profile unit that requires only one electrical connection. Unlike standard troffers that suffer from LED degradation due to heat, this system uses the purified air stream to actively conduct heat away from the electronics. Furthermore, the use of UV-reflective stainless steel and light-blocking baffles creates a highly concentrated decontamination environment that achieves significant microbial reduction without the safety risks associated with open UV fixtures.