T-Bar For Suspended Ceiling With Heat Dissipation System For Led Lighting

What is this patent about?

’878 is related to the field of suspended ceiling systems, specifically focusing on T-bars used to support ceiling tiles. The background acknowledges the increasing importance of energy efficiency in buildings, driving the adoption of LED lighting. However, a challenge with LEDs is managing the concentrated heat they generate, which can impact their lifespan and performance, especially when integrated into dropped ceilings.

The underlying idea behind ’878 is to integrate heat dissipation directly into the T-bar structure of a suspended ceiling. This is achieved by incorporating heat sinks, both above and below the T-bar's horizontal support, to efficiently transfer heat away from the lighting module (preferably LED) and into the space above the dropped ceiling. This approach aims to improve the lifespan and efficiency of the lighting while minimizing the heat load within the conditioned space below.

The claims of ’878 focus on a T-bar designed for suspended ceilings, featuring an elongated spine with rest shelves for supporting ceiling tiles. The key element is a lighting module integrated beneath the rest shelves , secured by track slots or a light housing. The claims emphasize the T-bar's cross-sectional form, the positioning of the lighting module, and the means of securing it, highlighting the structural integration of lighting within the T-bar.

In practice, the T-bar is constructed with an upper heat sink featuring fins to enhance heat transfer to the air above the ceiling. A lower heat sink, integrated into the rest shelf, provides additional cooling. The entire T-bar is preferably made of a thermally conductive material like aluminum to facilitate heat flow from the LED lighting module to the heat sinks. A power supply can be removably attached to the T-bar, completing the integrated lighting and support system.

This design differentiates itself from prior art by directly addressing the heat management challenges of LED lighting in suspended ceilings. Instead of separate lighting bays, the lighting is integrated into the T-bar itself, allowing for a more uniform ceiling appearance and potentially improved thermal insulation. The dual heat sink approach , combined with the thermally conductive T-bar material, provides a more effective and integrated solution for dissipating heat and maintaining optimal LED performance compared to traditional methods.