Fusion Optix, Inc.

Axis Lighting Inc.

Matsushita Electric Industrial Co., Ltd.

Matsushita Electric Works, Ltd.

Aron Lighting LLC

Matsushita Research and Development Laboratories Inc

Fusion Uptix, Inc.

Matsoshita Electric Works R & D Laboratories Inc

Timothy Kelly

Terence Yeo

Michael Demas

Howard Yaphe

Andrew Miles

Jean Gagne

Stephane Beland

David Morin

Matthew Sherman

Lee Mantha

John Montminy

Zane Arthur Coleman

Jakob Maya

Huiling Zhu

Jagannathan Ravi

Stefaan Maria Lambrechts

Clay Mohrman

Jeffrey Corvese

Joshua C Webb

Josh Casement

John Francis Waymouth

Mark Chu

The present disclosure generally relates to lighting modules, and more specifically, to a configurable linear lighting module for use within a suspended ceiling grid assembly. The configurable linear lighting module is easy to install and comprises a novel linear support element with internal and external support features which is provided with integrated or removable optical assemblies to deliver lighting distributions tailored to optimally illuminate the surface ceiling panels as well as floors, walls and work surfaces below. When installed within a configured ceiling grid assembly the configurable linear lighting module provides novel support features for ceiling panels to be held in-line, above, below or tilted relative to the existing ceiling grid plane. A wide range of useful lighting distributions are achieved by configuring the optical elements and LED light sources supported and aligned by the linear support element. By selectively applying electrical power to individual light source channels it is further possible to electrically control lighting distributions. As such the configurable linear lighting module provides both aesthetically pleasing features and useful lighting distributions. Furthermore, illustrated embodiments of ceiling grid assemblies comprising one or more of the configurable linear lighting modules demonstrate how both appearance and lighting distributions can be controlled to meet aesthetic and lighting design requirements.

Configurable linear lighting module for suspended ceiling grid assemblies

An edgelit lighting assembly provides two or more adjustable light distributions with two or more electrically addressable light source channels. At least one light source channel inputs into an edge face of a primary transmissive optical element. Specific embodiments include a double edgelit configuration and configurations with both edgelit and direct lit light source channels. An optional auxiliary optical element provides additional light distribution control and improved brightness uniformity and visual appearance.

Edgelit lighting assembly with adjustable light distribution

A optically transmissive component is configured within a light fixture to provide benefits in brightness uniformity and visual appearance with the use of a light scattering extension portion that provides light scattering of light emitted from near an input edge of a light guide or other edgelit optical element. The sequential propagation of light through both the extension portion and main portion of the optically transmissive component significantly reduces the higher brightness and uneven 'hotspotting' type visual defects typically produced near the input edge of an edgelit optical system. With appearance constraints removed or reduced, edgelit light fixtures with higher output, higher efficacy, and/or simplified edgelit optical components are enabled. Embodiments include the use of the extension portion of the optically transmissive component extension to mechanically position and retain an edgelit optical element within a light fixture.

Edgelit light fixture with optically transmissive component for improved appearance of lightguide input region

A lighting assembly for use in suspended T-Bar ceiling grid systems is provided comprising two linear lighting modules in a novel parallel arrangement. End plates are used to connect, support, and enclose longitudinal ends of the elongate body of each linear lighting modules at a predetermined and configurable spacing apart while simultaneously functioning as reflective faces for internal and external optical cavities. The configured gap spacing between individual linear lighting modules can be used to house and support components such as additional light sources, acoustic or decorative ceiling panels, HVAC components, or power systems, controls or sensors. Additional end plate embodiments can be configured to allow a T-bar to be placed in the configured gap spacing thereby enabling the mounting of the assembly in-line upon the longitudinal axis of a ceiling grid T-bar. Embodiments of linear lighting modules are presented comprising LED light sources, transmissive optical elements, light shaping lenses, reflectors and other functional components supported and housed within the elongate body. The transmissive optical elements may be backlit or edgelit from one or two sides and aligned horizontally or tilted relative to the ceiling grid plane. The linear lighting modules can provide a range of useful symmetric, asymmetric and tilted non-lambertian lighting distributions.

Ceiling grid lighting assembly with two linear lighting modules and a configurable, functional gap

A multifunctional lighting assembly is configured with optical components such as lenses and reflectors mounted within an elongate body that serves as a cross tee within a T-bar grid arrangement. Protrusions of the elongate body are used to position optical components and embodiments provide for the slidable mounting of optical components. Further embodiments provide for the support of ceiling panels within a suspended ceiling system, connection to a structural ceiling, and inclusion of further components such as sensors, electronic controllers, and wireless modules.

Multifunctional lighting assembly for a T-bar grid arrangement

A light fixture with edgelit optical element is configured with an elongate body which retains and aligns optical components in a shallow linear form factor. Embodiments can be installed within a ceiling grid system and provide a fixture height less than that of a ceiling grid T-bar. An edglit optical element with light scattering features produces an extended emitting area for low glare and provides light distributions such as asymmetric and symmetric batwing distributions particularly useful in downlighting and other lighting applications.

Light fixture with edgelit optical element for direct downlighting applications

An optical element with light scattering properties is configured for use in a light fixture or lighting module. When used in combination with a reflector or reflective surface proximate to an output face, the optical element can provide a range of non-Lambertian light distributions in alternative embodiments. The optical element utilizes combinations of dispersed light scattering particles and/or surface features to selectively scatter, disperse and internally reflect light. Using such optical arrangements it is possible to create light distributions with a single or multiple lobes or peak intensities and to control the position and shape of light distributions. The optical element is particularly suitable in low profile edge lit lighting assemblies used in indoor lighting products such as suspended, surface or recessed mounted linear light fixtures, ceiling mounted downlights, cove lights, and light fixtures for wall washing or perimeter lighting.

Light scattering optical element for lighting applications

Lighting fixture

A light fixture delivering electrically controlled lighting distributions for mounting within an installed panel system typically used in ceiling and wall constructions and incorporating acoustic, drywall or wood panels. The light fixture can provide low-glare or wide spread 'batwing' ambient light or more directional wall wash, task and accent lighting. The light fixture comprises one or more LED boards and an optical element which can be back-lit or edge-lit. The light fixture body is configurable, comprising a 3-dimensional extruded elongate body with its ends cut at a configured angle. The body typically comprises additional side support features that support and enclose the edge of installed panels. In the case of a T-bar based ceiling grid system the side support features may also replicate the function and appearance of T-bar horizontal and vertical portions. The body comprises features to retain and align LED boards, reflectors and a back-lit or edge-lit optical element. In the edge-lit configuration the optical element may also be a light guide. The edge-lit design also enables the height of the lighting assembly body to be equivalent to or less than the height of T-bar main beams or cross tees. This is very important in applications where there is zero or little available plenum space above the ceiling grid. Because the lighting assembly can also provide structural support within the installed panel system it can replace one or more T-bars and can also be used to connect one or more T-bars or other structural grid elements. The lighting fixture can be mounted at an oblique or diagonal angle to the typical square grid layouts, or in a corner of a ceiling grid T-bar cell at the intersection of one or more T-bars. Additionally, more than one elongate bodies can be connected to form square, crosses, curves or arcs or more complex shapes. The electrical power may additionally be configured to control lighting distributions of the fixtures independently of one another.

Light fixture and light fixture assemblies with electrically controlled lighting distributions for installed panel systems

A lighting assembly includes at least one light source array provided in a housing and a light scattering primary transmissive optical element having at least one focal region positioned substantially parallel or concentric with the light source array. Lens features of the optical element may include a Fresnel lens pattern to produce at least one focal region. An auxiliary transmissive optical element may be provided to further control light distribution and brightness uniformity.

Lighting assembly with light source array and light-directing optical element

A ceiling grid lighting assembly for use in suspended ceiling systems is provided with multiple linear lighting modules in parallel arrangement. End plates are used to connect, support, and enclose longitudinal ends of the elongate body of each linear lighting modules while simultaneously functioning as reflective faces for optical cavities. A configured gap spacing between individual linear lighting modules can be used to house and support components such as additional light sources, acoustic or decorative panels, HVAC components, or power systems, controls or sensors. The end plate can also be configured to allow a T-bar to be placed in the configured gap spacing thereby enabling the mounting of the assembly in-line upon the longitudinal axis of a ceiling grid T-bar. Embodiments of linear lighting modules are presented comprising LED light sources, light guides and diffusers housed within the elongate body. The light guides may be edgelit from one or two sides and aligned horizontally or tilted relative to the ceiling grid plane.

Ceiling grid lighting assembly with configured alignment

An edgelit multifunctional lighting assembly is configured as a cross tee within a suspended ceiling system and supports at least one ceiling panel and is configurable to produce symmetric and asymmetric targeted light distributions for narrow and wide angle illumination applications.

Edgelit multifunctional lighting assembly for use in a suspended ceiling system

Various light fixtures are provided for mounting within and below suspended grid ceilings incorporating T-bars and ceiling panels. The light fixtures comprise a double or single edgelit planar or wedge shaped optical element that functions simultaneously as an outcoupling TIR light guide and a light scatterer or direct throughput lens. It provides a number of benefits because of its edgelit design including; thin forms and shallow depth, extended emitting area and controlled lighting distributions from one or two light guide faces. Additionally, areas typically dedicated to bezels or edge reflectors can be greatly reduced or eliminated due to decreased hotspotting to provide a fixture face with very high percentage of light emitting area. Embodiments are described for direct, indirect, and direct indirect configurations. The embodiments provide increased light output, uniformity of brightness and color and controlled direct and indirect lighting distributions and with single or dual off axis intensity peaks. Such light distributions are particularly useful in applications such as direct illumination of offices, schools, hospitals, retail or commercial spaces and table tops or work surfaces or indirect illumination of ceilings, wall washing and surface area lighting as well as other lighting applications.

Disclosed are lighting arrangements that provide, when in operation, more uniform angular light distribution emissions into an environment. The lighting arrangements use LED light sources, a light scattering optical element and partial reflectance from a light transmissive sheet or reflective layer to produce direct and indirect illumination with improved angular light distribution and uniformity onto targeted illumination surfaces such as ceilings, walls, and floors. The present disclosure provides a solution to problems of non-uniform angular distribution of light causing visual discomfort and spatial discontinuity in output. Energy savings are achieved with high optical efficiency utilizing compact, durable, robust, and aesthetically appealing optical composites and lighting arrangements capable of providing an assortment of configurable angular light distributions.

Lighting arrangements for targeted illumination patterns

Disclosed is a lighting assembly for providing electrically configured light distributions and illumination patterns. The light distributions can be pre-configured and stored in a memory device or adjusted once installed in an environment by use of a wired or wireless controller or control device. The lighting assembly comprises at least one primary transmissive optical element and multiple light sources arranged in two or more independently addressed electrical channels spatially arranged on a common plane of the lighting assembly housing. Each light source channel is both physically separated and electrically adjustable in order to control light input into the optical element and subsequently adjust the light distribution output of the lighting assembly. The lighting assembly can be used to provide a wide range of symmetric and asymmetric lighting distributions for direct or indirect lighting as well as focusing or defocusing a projected beam in a spotlight or downlight configuration. The lighting assembly is therefore useful in a wide range of typical indoor and outdoor lighting applications including downlighting, spotlighting, wall washing, cove lighting, retail lighting, warehouse lighting. It is also possible to produce useful tunable white or color related lighting effects wherein different color temperature variants of white or different colors, such as red, green or blue might have different lighting distributions.

Growing community of inventors

Brookline, MA, United States of America

Timothy Kelly