WO2025015100A1

WO2025015100A1 - Integrated auxiliary system for diffuser of an hvac system

Info

Publication number: WO2025015100A1
Application number: PCT/US2024/037460
Authority: WO
Inventors: Michael Zachary Taylor; Cameron Craig TIMBES; Robby Lee STEWART; Amrut Bhanji CHARLA
Original assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP LLC
Current assignee: Air Distribution Technologies IP LLC
Priority date: 2023-07-10
Filing date: 2024-07-10
Publication date: 2025-01-16
Anticipated expiration: 2026-01-10

Abstract

A diffuser assembly includes a back pan configured to mount to a ceiling of a conditioned space, a plaque coupled to the back pan, a diffuser inlet formed through the back pan, where the diffuser inlet is configured to receive an air flow and to direct the air flow toward the plaque, and the plaque is configured to diffuse the air flow into a conditioned space below the plaque, relative to a vertical axis. The diffuser assembly also includes an auxiliary system coupled to an upward-facing side of the plaque, and the auxiliary system is configured to discharge light, sound, or both into the conditioned space.

Description

INTEGRATED AUXILIARY SYSTEM FOR DIFFUSER OF AN HVAC SYSTEM

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority from and the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application No. 63/525,872, entitled “INTEGRATED AUXILIARY SYSTEM FOR DIFFUSER OF AN HVAC SYSTEM,” filed July 10, 2023, which is hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety for all purposes.

BACKGROUND

[0002] This section is intended to introduce the reader to various aspects of art that may be related to various aspects of the present disclosure, which are described and/or claimed below. This discussion is believed to be helpful in providing the reader with background information to facilitate a better understanding of the various aspects of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it should be understood that these statements are to be read in this light, and not as admissions of prior art.

[0003] Hearing, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) systems are utilized in residential, commercial, and industrial environments to control environmental properties, such as temperature and humidity, for occupants of the respective environments. Generally, an HVAC system may control environmental properties by controlling a supply air flow delivered to the environment. For example, the HVAC system may place the supply air flow in a heat exchange relationship with a refrigerant of a vapor compression circuit to condition the supply air flow. A HVAC system may control environmental properties by directing the supply air flow to the environment via a diffuser. For example, a diffuser may be installed in a ceiling of a room and may be configured to receive the supply air flow from a duct of the HVAC system. The diffuser may direct and diffuse the air into the room. Meanwhile, other ceiling space may be allocated to accommodate various ceiling mounted devices, such as light fixtures, speakers, and cameras. Unfortunately, multiple objects or components mounted to a ceiling may elicit a sense of visual clutter that may aesthetically degrade the environment. Therefore, improved systems for installation of diffusers and other devices installed with or for a room are desired. SUMMARY

[0004] A summary of certain embodiments disclosed herein is set forth below. It should be understood that these aspects are presented merely to provide the reader with a brief summary of these certain embodiments and that these aspects are not intended to limit the scope of this disclosure. Indeed, this disclosure may encompass a variety of aspects that may not be set forth below.

[0005] In an embodiment, a diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a diffuser configured to receive an air flow and to discharge the air flow into a conditioned space. The diffuser includes a plaque configured to diffuse the air flow discharged into the conditioned space. The diffuser assembly further includes one or more lighting elements coupled to the plaque. The one or more lighting elements are configured to emit light into the plaque, such that the plaque diffuses the light and directs the light toward the conditioned space.

[0006] In another embodiment, a diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system includes a diffuser configured to receive an air flow and to discharge the air flow into a conditioned space. The diffuser includes a plaque configured to diffuse the air flow discharged into the conditioned space. The diffuser assembly further includes a speaker coupled to the plaque and configured to direct sound into the conditioned space. The plaque includes a speaker grill overlapping with a face of the speaker relative to a vertical axis.

[0007] In another embodiment, a diffuser assembly includes a back pan configured to mount to a ceiling of a conditioned space. Additionally, the diffuser assembly includes a plaque coupled to the back pan. Furthermore, the diffuser assembly includes a diffuser inlet formed through the back pan. The diffuser inlet is configured to receive an air flow and to direct the air flow toward the plaque. The plaque is configured to diffuse the air flow into a conditioned space below the plaque, relative to a vertical axis. Further, the diffuser assembly includes an auxiliary system coupled to an upward-facing side of the plaque. The auxiliary system is configured to discharge light, sound, or both into the conditioned space.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS [0008] Various aspects of this disclosure may be better understood upon reading the following detailed description and upon reference to the drawings in which:

[0009] FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and/or air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0010] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a room having a diffuser assembly with an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0011] FIG. 3 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system and a round plaque, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0012] FIG. 4 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system and a polygonal plaque, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0013] FIG. 5 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0014] FIG. 6 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0015] FIG. 7 is a schematic exploded perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure;

[0016] FIG. 8 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure; and

[0017] FIG. 9 is a schematic side view of an embodiment of a diffuser assembly having an integrated auxiliary system, in accordance with an aspect of the present disclosure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0018] One or more specific embodiments will be described below. In an effort to provide a concise description of these embodiments, not all features of an actual implementation are described in the specification. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementationspecific decisions must be made to achieve the developers’ specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure.

[0019] When introducing elements of various embodiments of the present disclosure, the articles “a,” “an,” and “the” are intended to mean that there are one or more of the elements. The terms “comprising,” “including,” and “having” are intended to be inclusive and mean that there may be additional elements other than the listed elements. Additionally, it should be noted that references to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment” of the present disclosure are not intended to be interpreted as excluding the existence of additional embodiments that also incorporate the recited features.

[0020] As used herein, the terms “approximately,” “generally,” and “substantially,” and so forth, are intended to convey that the property value being described may be within a relatively small range of the property⁷ value, as those of ordinary skill would understand. For example, when a property value is described as being “approximately” equal to (or, for example, “substantially similar” to) a given value, this is intended to mean that the property value may be within +/- 5%, within +/- 4%, within +/- 3%, within +/- 2%, within +/- 1%, or even closer, of the given value. Similarly, when a given feature is described as being “substantially parallel” to another feature, “generally perpendicular” to another feature, and so forth, this is intended to mean that the given feature is within +/- 5%, within +/- 4%, within +/- 3%, within +/- 2%, within +/- 1%. or even closer, to having the described nature, such as being parallel to another feature, being perpendicular to another feature, and so forth. Further, it should be understood that mathematical terms, such as “planar,” “slope,” “perpendicular,” “parallel,” and so forth are intended to encompass features of surfaces or elements as understood to one of ordinary skill in the relevant art, and should not be rigidly interpreted as might be understood in the mathematical arts. For example, a “planar” surface is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be substantially flat or smooth (within related tolerances) using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art. Similarly, a surface having a "slope" is intended to encompass a surface that is machined, molded, or otherwise formed to be oriented at an angle (e.g.. incline) with respect to a point of reference using techniques and tools available to one of ordinary skill in the art.

[0021] As mentioned above, a diffuser may be used as part of an HVAC system to distribute air (e.g., supply air) to an environment (e.g., room) in order to condition the environment. In some embodiments, the diffuser may be a component of an air distribution system and may be located at an outlet of a duct, such that the diffuser is configured to receive an air flow from the air distribution system via the duct. For example, the diffuser may be coupled to the duct, or the diffuser may be coupled to another component of the air distribution system, such as a plenum box connected to the duct. As the air flow is directed through the diffuser, the diffuser may change a velocity and/or a static pressure of the air flow, and the diffuser may dispense a diffused air flow to the environment. In some embodiments, the diffuser may be a plaque diffuser. That is, the air flow received by the diffuser via the air distribution system may impinge against a plaque (e.g.. plaque face) of the diffuser that is suspended within an air flow path extending through the diffuser. In this way, the plaque may force the flow of air may to spread laterally from the plaque and into the environment in a diffused manner.

[0022] Meanwhile, the environment may include or be associated with other systems (e.g., lighting systems, audio systems, network systems, fire suppression systems, etc.) that are implemented for various purposes (e g., related or unrelated to the HVAC system). Such systems may also be installed in or on the ceiling or wall of the environment. For example, the celling of a room may include one or more diffusers, light fixtures, sensors, audio speakers, wireless receivers, wireless transmitters, fire suppression components, and so forth. A visual presence or overabundance of these devices and systems in or on a ceiling may contribute to material or aesthetic clutter as the devices compete physically and/or visually to occupy a limited space provided by the ceiling. In other words, a ceiling with a clean and more seamless appearance may be preferred to a ceiling that contains a number of visually apparent installations. Accordingly, certain systems may include diffusers, such as architectural diffusers, which may be designed to appear discreet and harmonious with the environment. Examples of such architectural diffusers may include plaque diffusers. For example, a plaque or plaque face of a plaque diffuser may have a simple, unobtrusive design intended to blend with the ceiling. From the perspective of an occupant in the room, the diffuser may appear to be merely an inconspicuous panel in the ceiling rather than a visually obtrusive apparatus.

[0023] With the foregoing in mind, it is presently recognized that incorporating systems and devices (e.g., auxiliary⁷ systems, auxiliary⁷ devices) with a diffuser as an integrated assembly may enable the auxiliary devices to be “hidden” or generally concealed by or in the diffuser, thereby reducing visual obtrusions in a ceiling or wall. As described in further detail below, embodiments of the present disclosure include an assembly (e.g., an integrated diffuser assembly) having a device module (e.g., auxiliary module) coupled to a plaque diffuser. In some embodiments, the device module or auxiliary⁷ system may be a lighting system integrated with the plaque diffuser. For example, the plaque may be formed from a translucent material, and a lighting module may be coupled to the back (e.g.. upward-facing, concealed) side of the plaque. Light emitted from the lighting module may diffuse through the plaque and into the environment. In this way, the plaque diffuser may function as and/or be disguised as a ceiling light while also functioning as a diffuser to provide diffused air (e.g., supply air) to the space. Alternatively, the lighting module may be inserted into an opening of the plaque, such that the lighting module is configured to emit light directly toward the room from a recessed position in the plaque diffuser. In this way, the lighting module may be visible from the room as an integrated piece of the plaque diffuser. Additionally or alternatively, the plaque diffuser maybe integrated with another type of auxiliary system or module, such as a speaker system. For example, a speaker may be coupled to the back side of the plaque and be configured to direct sound through a speaker grille or other arrangement of openings formed in the plaque. Accordingly, present embodiments enable installation of diffusers and auxiliary⁷ devices or systems in an integrated manner (e.g., as an integrated assembly, as a single assembly). That is, the auxiliary devices or systems may be integrated with the diffuser in or on the ceiling without occupying additional space on the ceiling that is not otherwise occupied by the diffuser. Further, the techniques disclosed herein enable integrated operation of the diffusers and auxiliary systems. In this way, diffusers and auxiliary systems may be installed and utilized with minimal detraction from aesthetic appeal of the environment. While the discussion below describes the present techniques in a ceiling-mounted context, it should be appreciated that systems and elements thereof hereinafter described as being disposed along a ceiling may be adapted for installation along a wall, a floor, or other suitable surface. [0024] Turning now to the drawings, FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system for environmental management that may employ one or more HVAC units. As used herein, an HVAC system includes any number of components configured to enable regulation of parameters related to climate characteristics, such as temperature, humidity, air flow, pressure, air quality, and so forth. For example, an “HVAC system” as used herein is defined as conventionally understood and as further described herein. Components or parts of an “HVAC system” may include, but are not limited to, all, some of. or individual parts such as a heat exchanger, a heater, an air flow control device, such as a fan, a sensor configured to detect a climate characteristic or operating parameter, a filter, a control device configured to regulate operation of an HVAC system component, a component configured to enable regulation of climate characteristics, or a combination thereof. An “HVAC system” is a system configured to provide such functions as heating, cooling, ventilation, dehumidification, pressurization, refrigeration, filtration, or any combination thereof. The embodiments described herein may be utilized in a variety of applications to control climate characteristics, such as residential, commercial, industrial, transportation, or other applications where climate control is desired.

[0025] In the illustrated embodiment, a building 10 is air conditioned by a system that includes an HVAC unit 12. The building 10 may be a commercial structure or a residential structure. As show n, the HVAC unit 12 is disposed on the roof of the building 10; how ever, the HVAC unit 12 may be located in other equipment rooms or areas adjacent the building 10. The HVAC unit 12 may be a single package unit containing other equipment, such as a blower, integrated air handler, and/or auxiliary heating unit.

[0026] The HVAC unit 12 may be an air-cooled device that implements a refrigeration cycle to provide conditioned air to the building 10. Specifically, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more heat exchangers across which an air flow is passed to condition the air flow" before the air flow' is supplied to the building. In the illustrated embodiment, the HVAC unit 12 is a rooftop unit (RTU) that conditions a supply air stream, such as environmental air and/or a return air flow from the building 10. After the HVAC unit 12 conditions the air, the air is supplied to the building 10 via ductwork 14 extending throughout the building 10 from the HVAC unit 12. For example, the ductwork 14 may extend to various individual floors or other sections of the building 10. In certain embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may be a heat pump that provides both heating and cooling to the building with one refrigeration circuit configured to operate in different modes. In other embodiments, the HVAC unit 12 may include one or more refrigeration circuits for cooling an air stream and a furnace for heating the air stream.

[0027] A control device 16, one type of which may be a thermostat, may be used to set the temperature of the conditioned air. The control device 1 also may be used to control the flow of air through the ductwork 14. For example, the control device 16 may be used to regulate operation of one or more components of the HVAC unit 12 or other components, such as dampers and fans, within the building 10 that may control flow of air through and/or from the ductwork 14. In some embodiments, other devices may be included in the system, such as pressure and/or temperature transducers or switches that sense the temperatures and pressures of the supply air, return air, and so forth. Moreover, the control device 16 may include computer systems that are integrated with or separate from other building control or monitoring systems, and even systems that are remote from the building 10.

[0028] The ductwork 14 may include one or more duct outlets 18 configured to enable discharge of air (e.g., supply air) into the building 10. As shown, a diffuser 20 (e.g., plaque diffuser) may be fluidly coupled to each duct outlet 18 to enable discharge conditioned air from the ductwork 14 to a conditioned space (e.g., a room) of the building 10. For example, the diffuser 20 may be configured to receive a flow of supply air from the ductwork 14 and change the velocity, static pressure, turbulence, and/or other properties of the supply air before the supply air is provided to the conditioned space. In some embodiments, two or more conjoined diffusers (e.g., a first diffuser and a second diffuser, a diffuser assembly) may be commonly located at one of the duct outlets 18. Although the present disclosure describes an assemblage of air-diffusing structures as individual diffusers (e.g., diffuser 20) in a conjoined configuration, it should be appreciated that the assemblage may be considered a single diffuser having multiple segments. For example, a first diffuser and a second diffuser described below may be substantially similar to a first segment (e g., portion) and a second segment (e.g., portion) of a common diffuser. Further, it should be appreciated that the techniques disclosed herein may be utilized with diffusers (e.g., diffuser 20) configured to discharge air flow into a room, as well as diffusers configured to exhaust air flow from a room.

[0029] The diffuser 20 may be configured to receive a high velocity air flow from the ductwork 14 and to redirect the air flow in one or more directions (e.g., into a room) at an adjusted (e.g., lower) velocity. For example, one or more structures (e.g.. bars, plates, flaps, grilles, channels, plaques, panels, dampers) within the diffuser 20 may deflect or partially divert the air flow, thereby causing the air flow to disperse and flow into the room (e.g., in multiple flow directions). Furthermore, the diffuser 20 may change the cross-sectional area of the air flow and thereby change an average velocity of the air flow. In this way. conditioned air may enter the space with a desired (e.g., more uniform) distribution and without unwanted drafts. Moreover, noise generated by HVAC system (e.g., HVAC unit 12) may be reduced (e.g., damped) by altering flow characteristics of the air flow. In other embodiments, the diffuser 20, such as a jet diffuser, may be configured to discharge air into a room in a concentrated direction. In any case, the diffuser 20 may alter or redirect the air flow in a desired manner before or as the air is distributed to the conditioned space.

[0030] FIG. 2 is a schematic perspective view of an embodiment of a room 30 serviced by an HVAC system 32. The HVAC system 32, which may include the HVAC unit 12 and/or any other suitable HVAC system, may condition a flow of supply air 34, and may direct the supply air 34 to the room 30 via the ductwork 14. The duct outlet 18 of the ductwork 14 may be fluidly coupled to an opening 36 of a ceiling 38 of the room 30. That is, the ductwork 14 is configured to direct the supply air 34 toward the room 30 via the opening 36 in the ceiling 38. An embodiment of the diffuser 20 may be disposed within and/or across the opening 36 and may be coupled to the duct outlet 18. As the supply air 34 from the ductwork 14 exits the duct outlet 18, the diffuser 20 may receive the supply air 34 from the ductwork 14 and discharge a diffused air flow 40 to the room 30. In this way, an occupant 42 within the room 30 may experience comforts of more evenly distributed conditioned air. As will be appreciated, the diffuser 20 may provide a more aesthetic architectural design compared to other types of diffusers.

[0031] As discussed in detail below, the diffuser 20 may be integrated with an auxiliary system 44, such as a lighting system, a speaker system, and/or other auxiliary system, to provide a diffuser assembly 46. In an embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 configured as a lighting system, the lighting system may direct (e.g., shine, diffuse, project) light 48 into the room 30 from the diffuser 20. In this way, the diffuser assembly 46 may occupy a reduce amount of ceiling space by combining one or more auxiliary functionalities (e.g., lighting functionality) with air diffusion functionality. As such, the ceiling 38 may appear more seamless and elegant with fewer visual discontinuities in or on the ceiling 38.

[0032] FIG. 3 is a perspective view' of an embodiment of the diffuser 20. In particular, the diffuser 20 is configured and arranged as a plaque diffuser. The diffuser 20 is configured to be recessed into a surface (e.g., ceiling 38, ceiling surface) and receive a flow of the supply air 34 directed therethrough. The diffuser 20 may be configured to receive the air flow from the ductwork 14 via a diffuser inlet 60 (e.g., neck, collar, duct connector) of the diffuser 20. For example, the diffuser inlet 60 may be mechanically and/or fluidly coupled to the ductwork 14. The diffuser 20 includes a plaque 62 (e.g.. a plaque face, plaque surface, plate, sheet) mounted to and/or suspended from a back pan 64 of the diffuser 20 via legs 66 (e.g., supports, suspension components, hanging links, hanger members). The back pan 64 defines a surface that extends in a generally downward direction (e.g., along a vertical axis 67) and that widens (e.g., flares) laterally outward (e.g., along a plane defined by horizontal axes 68) from the diffuser inlet 60. Each of the legs 66 is coupled to the back pan 64 at one end of the leg 66 and to the plaque 62 at another end of the leg 66. In this way, the plaque 62 is suspended from the back pan 64, thereby creating a gap 68 through which the diffused air flow 40 may pass. As such, the supply air 34 entering the diffuser 20 through the diffuser inlet 60 (e.g., formed via the back pan 64) may contact the plaque 62 and flow along (e.g., spread around) the plaque 62 in multiple directions before to create the diffused air flow 40 that is directed into the room 30. For example, the flow of supply air 34 may impinge upon a back surface 70 (e.g., rear surface, internally -facing surface, upward-facing surface, relative to vertical axis 67) of the plaque 62, thereby forcing the supply air 34 to flow along the back surface 70 in multiple directions (e.g., lateral directions, cross-wise to the vertical axis 67) and transition to the diffused air flow 40 that is discharged from the diffuser 20 through the gap 68 in multiple radial or laterally outward directions. To this end, the plaque 62 may at least partially (e.g., substantially, completely) overlap with and opening defined by the diffuser inlet 60 and/or the back pan 64 (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 67). In some embodiments, the back pan 64 and/or the plaque 62 may be flush with the ceiling 38 (e.g., along the horizontal axes 68) to appear seamless with a surface (e.g., exposed surface) of the ceiling 38. As shown in FIG. 3, the plaque 62 may have a round (e.g., circular) geometry or profile (e.g., outer perimeter, outer geometry ), and the back pan 64 may have a rectangular (e.g., square) geometry or profile (e.g.. outer perimeter, outer geometry). However, embodiments of the diffuser 20 incorporating the present techniques may have components with other shapes or geometries. For example, the back pan 64 and/or the diffuser inlet 60 may have one or more portions (e.g., edges, profiles, outer perimeter portions, geometries) that are rounded (e.g., elliptical, circular, curved, arcuate), one or more portions polygonal (e.g.. hexagonal), or both. In some embodiments, the back pan 64 and the plaque 62 may have similar (e.g., corresponding, matching) geometries, profiles, and/or outer perimeters. [0033] As mentioned above, the auxiliary system 44 may be integrated with the diffuser 20 as part of the diffuser assembly 46. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary system 44 is configured as a lighting system that is integrated with the diffuser 20. For example, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) may include lighting elements 72 (e.g., light emitting diodes [LEDs]) disposed on the back surface 70 of the plaque 62. At least a portion of the plaque 62 may be formed from a translucent (e.g., frosted, light-diffusive, textured, plastic) material, such that the lighting elements 72 are not directly visible from below the plaque 62 (e.g., not directly visible by the occupant 42 within the room 30). In some embodiments, the lighting elements 72 may direct light into the plaque 62, such as in a downward direction along the vertical axis 67. Because the plaque 62 is at least partially formed from a translucent material, the light may be projected through the plaque 62 and be diffused to produce a more even lighting effect across the plaque 62. For example, the lighting elements 72 may illuminate the plaque 62 in a substantially even or uniform manner. In this way, the plaque 62 may appear to be a single light fixture from the perspective of the occupant 42 within the room 30 having the diffuser assembly 46. In other embodiments, the lighting elements 72 may be disposed about or along a circumference or perimeter of the plaque 62 and may be oriented to discharge light in a radially inward direction and/or toward a central portion (e.g., center) of the plaque 62. In this way, light emitted by the lighting elements 72 may shine into the plaque 62 to create a diffused lighting effect. It should be appreciated that the lighting elements 72 may be arrayed, arranged, and/or otheiwise positioned adjacent the back surface 70 of the plaque 62 in any suitable manner. Additionally or alternatively, one or more lighting elements may be positioned against and/or along the back pan 64 and may be occluded from direct view by the occupant 42 via the plaque 62. Tn this way, the lighting elements 72 may be hidden from view by the occupant 42 within the room 30, which enables the diffuser assembly 46 to provide lighting functionality, in addition to air diffusion functionality, with improved aesthetics and more seamless integration with the ceiling 48 (e.g., room 30).

[0034] One or more of the lighting elements 72 may be electrically coupled to one another (e.g., in series), such as along an LED strip (e.g., an adhesive LED strip). In some embodiments, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) may further include a power module 74 (e.g., power supply) containing circuitry configured to supply power to the lighting elements 72. For example, the power module 74 may include a voltage converter (e.g., a transformer, an AC-to-DC converter). The power module 74 may be coupled to the back surface 70 of the plaque 62, in some embodiments. Alternatively, the power module 74 may be located external to the diffuser 20 (e.g., at a central control panel), above the back pan 64 (e.g., relative to the vertical axis 67), elsewhere within the ceiling 38, or in any other suitable location (e.g., hidden from view by the occupant 42 within the room 30). Additionally, wires 76 may connect the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) to a power source (e.g., a utility outlet or a battery). The wires 76 may electrically couple the individual lighting elements 72 to one another, electrically couple an LED strip having the lighting elements 72 to a power source external to the diffuser 20, electrically couple the lighting elements 72 to the power module 74, and/or electrically couple the power module 74 to a power source external to the diffuser 20. The wires 76 may extend from the auxiliary system 44 and towards the ceiling 38 via a hole 78 (e.g., opening, orifice, slot, aperture, wiring opening) formed in the back pan 64. The hole 78 may be formed in the back pan 64 at a location such that the plaque 62 obstructs the hole 78 from view of the occupant 42. For example, the plaque 62 may overlap with the hole 78 along the vertical axis 67 to obstruct a line of sight from the occupant 42 to the hole 78. Components of the auxiliary system 44 may be housed within a housing (shown in FIG. 5) coupled to the back surface 70 of the plaque 62. In this way, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) may be assembled as a module configured to be removably attached to the diffuser 20.

[0035] In other embodiments, the plaque 62 and the back pan 64 may have any suitable shape. For example, FIG. 4 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser 20 illustrating the plaque 62 having quadrilateral (e.g., square, rectangular) geometry or profile (e.g., outer perimeter) and the back pan 64 having a corresponding, matching, and/or complementary quadrilateral (e.g., square, rectangular) geometry or profile (e.g., outer perimeter). In accordance with the present techniques, the auxiliary system 44 configured as a lighting system and/or another embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 may be integrated, as similarly discussed above, with the diffuser 20 having the plaque 62 with a quadrilateral shape.

[0036] In accordance with the present techniques, the plaque 62 may be formed from any suitable light-diffusing material, such as plexiglass, acrylic, polycarbonate, and/or frosted glass. In some embodiments of the diffuser assembly 46 having an embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 configured as a lighting system, a material of the plaque 62 may appear to be opaque and/or white when the lighting elements 72 are off and not emitting light. As such, the diffuser 20 may appear similar to traditional diffusers (e.g., plaque diffusers). In this way, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) may be hidden or disguised behind the plaque 62 (e.g., from a perspective of the occupant 42 within the room 30 having the diffuser assembly 46 installed within the ceiling 38) to provide an aesthetically seamless appearance.

[0037] FIG. 5 is a side view schematic of an embodiment of the diffuser 20 integrated with the auxiliary system 44 to provide an embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46. As shown, the diffuser 20 is mounted generally flush with the ceiling 38 via mounting flanges 90 (e.g., brackets) coupled to the back pan 64. As discussed above, the flow of supply air 34 may enter the diffuser 20 through the diffuser inlet 60, which is coupled to the ductwork 14 (e.g., the duct outlet 18). The supply air 34 may diffuse around the plaque 62 and flow into the room 30 as the diffused air flow 40.

[0038] In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary system 44 is configured as a lighting system, as similarly described above. As shown, the auxiliary system 44 includes a housing 92 containing the lighting elements 72 and the power module 74. The lighting elements 72 are configured to emit light toward the plaque 62, which may be at least partially translucent. Consequently, the emitted light may be diffused throughout the plaque 62 and may be transmitted to the room 30 as diffused light 94. The auxiliary system 44 may be connected to a power source via the wires 76, which may extend through the back pan 64 via the hole 78.

[0039] Additionally, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) includes a controller 96 configured to receive data and/or instructions (e.g., user input, sensor input, automated commands, control signals) and perform operations to activate or modify one or more characteristics of the light output by the lighting elements 72 (e.g., control operation of the lighting elements 72). The controller 96 may include a memory 97 and processing circuitry 99 configured to perform control functions to operate the lighting elements 72 and/or other components of the auxiliary system 44. The processing circuitry 99 may include one or more microprocessors, which may execute software (e.g., executable instructions, code, stored on the memory 97) for controlling components of the lighting system 44. The processing circuitiy 99 may include multiple microprocessors, one or more “general-purpose” microprocessors, one or more special-purpose microprocessors, one or more application specific integrated circuits (ASICS), or any combination thereof. For example, the processing circuitry 99 may include one or more reduced instruction set (RISC) processors. The memory 97 (e.g., a memory device) may store information, such as instructions, control software, look up tables, configuration data, code, etc. The memory 97 may include a volatile memory, such as random access memory (RAM), and/or a nonvolatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM). The memory 97 may store a variety of information and may be used for various purposes.

[0040] For example, the memory 97 may store processor-executable instructions including firmware or software for the processing circuitry 99 to execute, such as instructions for controlling components of the auxiliary system 44. In some embodiments, the memory 97 is a tangible, non-transitory, machine-readable medium that may store machine-readable instructions for the processing circuitry 99 to execute. The memory 97 may include ROM, flash memory, a hard drive, or any other suitable optical, magnetic, or solid-state storage medium, or a combination thereof. The memory 97 may store data, instructions, and any other suitable information. In some embodiments, the memory 97 may store instructions to enable control of the lighting elements 72, such as by adjusting an intensity of light emitted by the lighting elements 72 based on instructions, data, or feedback received by the controller 96. For example, the controller 96 may receive a user input via a user control device (e.g., control device 14, infrared transmitter, computer, mobile device) to change one or more parameters of the light, such as intensity, color, color change pattern, and so forth. In an embodiment, the controller 96 may enable a music-synchronization mode, whereby behavior (e.g., characteristics, intensity, color, illumination pattern) of the light is correlated (e.g., synchronized) with music. It should be noted that the controller 96 may be a dedicated controller of the diffuser assembly 46 (e.g., auxiliary system 44, lighting system), or the controller 96 may control multiple auxiliary systems (e.g., lighting systems) of other diffuser assemblies and/or traditional lighting systems separate from embodiments of the diffuser assembly 46. In some embodiments, the controller 96 may be disposed within the housing 92.

[0041] In some embodiments, operation of the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) may be at least partially automated. To this end, the auxiliary system 44 may include one or more sensors 98 configured to detect one or more parameters associated with operation of the diffuser assembly 46 (e.g., auxiliary system 44, lighting system), associated with the room 30, associated with another portion of a building including the room 30, or any combination thereof. The one or more sensors 98 may be communicatively coupled to the controller 96 and configured to provide data and/or feedback to the controller 96 for use in controlling and/or adjusting operation of the diffuser assembly 46 (e.g., auxiliary system 44, lighting system). In some embodiments, the one or more sensors 98 may include an occupancy sensor configured to detect whether any occupants 42 are present within the room 30. The sensor 98 may detect sound, motion, light, and/or other parameter (e.g., data) that may indicate the presence of one or more occupants 42 in the room 30. In this way, the sensor 98 (e.g., occupancy sensor) may determine an occupancy status, state, or condition of the room 30 (e.g., conditioned space) and communicate the occupancy status to the controller 96. Based on the occupancy status (e.g., in response to the sensor 98 detecting one or more occupants 42), the controller 96 instruct the lighting elements 72 to turn on (e.g., emit light). Conversely, in response data indicative of no occupants 42 within the room 30, the controller 96 may determine that the room 30 is unoccupied or has been unoccupied for a threshold period of time, and the controller 96 may therefore instruct the lighting elements 72 to turn off. In this way, the controller 96 may enable reduced energy consumption by automatically turning off the lighting elements 72 when the room 30 is empty.

100421 It should be appreciated that operation of the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system, speaker system, network system) may be at least partially automated based on other types of data and/or feedback provided to the controller 96 via the one or more sensors 98. Indeed, the one or more sensors 98 may include any suitable type of sensor, such as a temperature sensor, a motion sensor, a carbon monoxide sensor, a carbon dioxide sensor, a sound or acoustic sensor, a radio frequency sensor, a wireless signal sensor, another type of sensor, or any combination thereof. For example, in some embodiments, the auxiliary system 44 may include a fire suppression component configured to discharge a fire suppression agent (e.g., foam, powder, liquid, water), such as via the gap 68, and the controller 96 may be configured to operate the auxiliary system 44 to discharge fire suppression agent into the room 30 in response to data indicative of a presence of carbon dioxide (e.g., above a threshold amount). As another example, the auxiliary system 44 may include a speaker system, and the controller 96 may be configured to operate the auxiliary system 44 to output sound (e.g., music, a particular song or playlist, which may be stored on the memory 97) in response to receipt of a wireless signal (e.g., Bluetooth signal, radio frequency signal) from a mobile device of one of the occupants 42 (e.g., homeowner).

[0043] In some embodiments, the controller 96 may be part of the diffuser assembly 46 (e.g., coupled to the plaque diffuser 20, housed within the housing 92, etc.). In other embodiments, the controller 96 may be part of a centralized control system, such as a building automation system. The building automation system may automatically control multiple diffuser assemblies, auxiliary systems, lighting systems, speaker systems, HVAC systems (e.g., vapor compression systems, damper systems), network systems, fire suppression systems, and/or other systems within the building 10. The controller 96 may be communicatively coupled to these other systems of the building automation system. In some embodiments, the controller 96 may be configured to control operation of the HVAC system 32 as well as the auxiliary system 44 in coordination with one another. For example, the controller 96 may operate the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system, lighting elements 72) based on an operating condition (e.g., mode, status) of the HVAC system 32. For example, the controller 96 may activate the lighting elements 72 in a particular conditioned space (e.g., room 30) in response to a determination that the HVAC system 32 is operating to supply conditioned air to the particular conditioned space. Indeed, operation of the lighting elements 72 may be linked to operation of a vapor compression system (e.g., a condenser, an evaporator, a compressor, a fan) and/or a damper system of the HVAC system 32.

[0044] FIG. 6 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46 having the diffuser 20 integrated with the auxiliary system 44 configured as a lighting system. As shown, the legs 66 are fastened to the plaque 62 and are inserted through slots 100 formed in the back pan 64. The legs 66 may include hooks 102 configured to engage with the back pan 64 to couple (e.g., removably couple) the plaque 62 to the back pan 64 in an offset arrangement. In this way, the plaque 62 may be suspended from the back pan 64 to form the gap 68 therebetween. Additionally, the housing 92 of the auxiliary system 44 may be coupled (e.g., fastened, adhered, glued, or taped) to the plaque 62 (e.g., the back surface 70). In other embodiments, the legs 66 may be coupled to the housing 92 instead of directly to the plaque 62.

[0045] FIG. 7 is an exploded perspective view of another embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46 including the diffuser 20 and the auxiliary system 44 configured as a lighting system integrated therewith. In the illustrated embodiment, the auxiliary system 44 (e.g., lighting system) includes a lighting module 110 (e.g., a can light, a single light emitting element) coupled to the plaque 62. The lighting module 110 may be configured to emit light through an opening 112 (e.g., cavity, hole, cutout, window, aperture) formed in the plaque 62. That is, instead of diffusing the light through (e.g., directly through) the plaque 62, the lighting module 110 may be disposed within the opening 112 and oriented toward the room 30 (e.g., in a downward direction along the vertical axis 67). In this way, the lighting module 110 may be visible to the occupant 42 as a lighting fixture embedded within (e.g., internal to, radially or laterally within) the plaque 62. The lighting module 1 10 may include any or all of the components discussed above with respect to FIG. 6, such as the lighting element(s) 72 (e.g., a light bulb, LEDs), the power module 74, the wires 76, the housing 92, and/or the controller 96.

[0046] FIG. 8 is a perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser 20 integrated with an embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 configured as a speaker system 120 to provide an embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46. The diffuser 20 of FIG. 8 may operate to receive and diffuse air in a manner similar to that described above. That is, the diffuser 20 is configured to receive the flow of supply air 34 from the ductwork 14, redirect the flow of supply air 34 via the plaque 62 to generate and dispense the diffused air flow 40 into the room 30. The illustrated embodiment also includes the speaker system 120 integrated with the diffuser 20. The speaker system 120 may include a speaker 130 (e.g., sound output device), an amplifier, a speaker housing, control circuitry, and/or wiring configured to direct an auditory output into the room 30. Additionally, the plaque 62 may include, define, and/or otherwise operate as a speaker grill 122 configured to protect the speaker system 120 and facilitate the passage of sound (e.g., acoustic waves) from the speaker system 120 through the plaque 62. The speaker grill 122 may be defined by a set of holes or slots formed in and/or through the plaque 62. For example, the plaque 62 may be perforated around a central portion of the plaque 62 across a face of the speaker 130. The perforated portion of the plaque 62 may constitute the speaker grill 122. In other embodiments, the speaker grill 122 may be formed via one or more additional or alternative permeable (e.g., sound-permeable) elements, such as a mesh structure (e.g., wire mesh, metallic mesh, perforated sheet), a fabric (e.g. cloth), another suitable material, or any combination thereof. As will be appreciated, the speaker grill 122 may enable passage of sound waves therethrough (e.g., from the speaker system 120 to the occupant 42 within the room 30) while also obstructing the speaker system 120 from view by the occupant 42. In this way, the diffuser assembly 46 may provide air diffusion and sound output functionalities while also providing an enhanced aesthetic quality. Tn some embodiments, the diffuser assembly 46 may include multiple auxiliary systems 44, such as both the lighting system and the speaker system 120, integrated with the diffuser 20.

[0047] FIG. 9 is a side view schematic of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46 having an embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 configured as the speaker system 120 integrated with the diffuser 20. As shown, the speaker system 120 may include an embodiment of the speaker 130 configured to project sound 132 toward the room 30. The speaker 130 may include an amplifier, a speaker housing, control circuitry, wiring (e.g., wires 76), and/or other components configured to receive, process, output, and/or amplify audio signals. FIG. 10 is an exploded perspective view of an embodiment of the diffuser assembly 46 having an embodiment of the auxiliary system 44 configured as the speaker system 120 integrated with diffuser 20. In some embodiments, the plaque 62 may include a single cutout (e.g., opening, aperture, cavity) surrounding (e.g., encircling) the speaker 130 instead of having multiple holes or slots formed therein to define the speaker grill 122 of the plaque 62. The speaker grill 122 may be an acoustically transparent structure positioned across the cutout, over a face of a speaker driver of the speaker 130.

[0048] While only certain features and embodiments have been illustrated and described, many modifications and changes may occur to those skilled in the art, such as variations in sizes, dimensions, structures, shapes and proportions of the various elements, values of parameters, such as temperatures and pressures, mounting arrangements, use of materials, colors, orientations, and so forth, without materially departing from the novel teachings and advantages of the subject matter recited in the claims. The order or sequence of any process or method steps may be varied or re-sequenced according to alternative embodiments. It is, therefore, to be understood that the appended claims are intended to cover all such modifications and changes as fall within the true spirit of the disclosure.

[0049] Furthermore, in an effort to provide a concise description of the exemplary embodiments, all features of an actual implementation may not have been described, such as those unrelated to the presently contemplated best mode, or those unrelated to enablement. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation specific decisions may be made. Such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill having the benefit of this disclosure, without undue experimentation.

[0050] The techniques presented and claimed herein are referenced and applied to material objects and concrete examples of a practical nature that demonstrably improve the present technical field and, as such, are not abstract, intangible or purely theoretical. Further, if any claims appended to the end of this specification contain one or more elements designated as “means for [perform]ing [a function]...” or “step for [perform]ing [a function]...”, it is intended that such elements are to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 1 12(f). However, for any claims containing elements designated in any other manner, it is intended that such elements are not to be interpreted under 35 U.S.C. 112(f).

Claims

CLAIMS: What is claimed is:

1. A diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: a diffuser configured to receive an air flow and to discharge the air flow into a conditioned space, wherein the diffuser comprises a plaque configured to diffuse the air flow discharged into the conditioned space; and one or more lighting elements coupled to the plaque, wherein the one or more lighting elements are configured to emit light into the plaque, and wherein the plaque is configured to diffuse the light and direct the light toward the conditioned space.

2. The diffuser assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting elements are coupled to an upward-facing side of the plaque.

3. The diffuser assembly of claim 2, comprising a lighting housing coupled to the upward-facing side of the plaque, wherein the one or more lighting elements are disposed within the lighting housing.

4. The diffuser assembly of claim 3. wherein the one or more lighting elements are arranged along a perimeter of the plaque and oriented toward a center of the plaque.

5. The diffuser assembly of claim 1 , comprising a back pan configured to be mounted to a ceiling of the conditioned space, wherein: the plaque is coupled to the back pan. the back pan comprises an opening, and the diffuser assembly comprises at least one w ire extending from the one or more lighting elements through the opening.

6. The diffuser assembly of claim 1, wherein the plaque is circular or elliptical.

7. The diffuser assembly of claim 1, wherein the one or more lighting elements comprise a light emitting diode (LED) strip.

8. The diffuser assembly of claim 1, comprising: a sensor configured to detect an operating parameter indicative of an occupancy status of the conditioned space; and a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor and configured to receive data indicative of the parameter, wherein the controller is configured to operate the one or more lighting elements based on the data.

9. A diffuser assembly for a heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system, comprising: a diffuser configured to receive an air flow and to discharge the air flow into a conditioned space, wherein the diffuser comprises a plaque configured to diffuse the air flow discharged into the conditioned space; and a speaker coupled to the plaque and configured to direct sound into the conditioned space, wherein the plaque comprises a speaker grill overlapping with a face of the speaker relative to a vertical axis.

10. The diffuser assembly of claim 9, wherein the speaker grill comprises a perforated portion of the plaque.

11. The diffuser assembly of claim 9, comprising a back pan configured to be mounted to a ceiling of the conditioned space, wherein the diffuser assembly comprises a plurality of hanging links mounted to the plaque, and the plurality of hanging links is configured to couple to the back pan to suspend the plaque below the back pan relative to the vertical axis.

12. The diffuser assembly of claim 11, wherein: the back pan comprises a wiring opening; and the diffuser assembly comprises at least one wire extending from the speaker through the wiring opening.

13. The diffuser assembly of claim 11. wherein the back pan comprises a first geometry, the plaque comprises a second geometry, and the first geometry and the second geometry' are different from one another.

14. A diffuser assembly, comprising: a back pan configured to mount to a ceiling of a conditioned space; a plaque coupled to the back pan; a diffuser inlet formed through the back pan, wherein the diffuser inlet is configured to receive an air flow and to direct the air flow toward the plaque, and the plaque is configured to diffuse the air flow into the conditioned space below the plaque, relative to a vertical axis; and an auxiliary system coupled to an upward-facing side of the plaque, wherein the auxiliary system is configured to discharge light, sound, or both into the conditioned space.

15. The diffuser assembly of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary system comprises one or more lighting elements configured to emit light into the plaque, and the plaque is configured to diffuse the light and direct the light toward the conditioned space.

16. The diffuser assembly of claim 15, wherein the one or more lighting elements are arranged along a perimeter of the plaque and oriented toward a center of the plaque.

17. The diffuser assembly of claim 15, wherein the plaque comprises an opening formed therein, and the one or more lighting elements comprises a single lighting element disposed in the opening and oriented toward the conditioned space.

18. The diffuser assembly of claim 14, wherein the auxiliary system comprises a speaker configured to emit sound toward the conditioned space, and the plaque comprises a speaker grill configured to direct sound therethrough and toward the conditioned space.

19. The diffuser assembly of claim 14, comprising: a sensor configured to detect a parameter indicative of an occupancy status of the conditioned space; a controller communicatively coupled to the sensor, wherein the controller is configured to receive data indicative of the parameter from the sensor, and the controller is configured to operate the auxiliary system based on the occupancy status of the conditioned space.

20. The diffuser assembly of claim 14, comprising a plurality of hanging links mounted to the plaque, and the plurality of hanging links is configured to couple to the back pan to suspend the plaque below the back pan, relative to the vertical axis, to define a gap configured to discharge the air flow into the conditioned space.