A floor element for protection against impact noise

Lignocellulosic strips with geometric configurations and spacers in floating floors address the sustainability and insulation gaps in current solutions, offering comparable noise reduction with reduced material use.

EP4621158A1Pending Publication Date: 2025-09-24UNIVERZA NA PRIMORSKEM
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Patent Information

Application Number
EP2025164268
Authority / Receiving Office
EP · EP
Patent Type
Applications
Current Assignee / Owner
Priority Date
2024-03-20
Filing Date
2025-03-17
Publication Date
2025-09-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Current insulation materials for impact noise in floating floors are not environmentally sustainable and require large quantities, while existing solutions fail to achieve optimal sound insulation due to inadequate dynamic stiffness and mass, leading to insufficient impact noise reduction.

Method used

The use of lignocellulosic strips, preferably wooden, with geometric configurations that allow bending or curving under pressure, integrated with spacers and movement limiters, to form an elastic response mechanism for impact noise insulation.

Benefits of technology

The solution provides effective impact noise insulation comparable to mineral wool, while being environmentally friendly and reducing material usage, achieving resonant frequencies suitable for improved sound protection.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The invention belongs to the field of building elements intended for installation in floors / floorings / horizontal floor constructions as an insulating layer designed to limit the transmission of impact sound from the walking layer to the rest of the building. The floor element for impact noise protection according to the invention comprises an insulating layer, which has at least one strip made of lignocellulosic material. Strips are arranged in a geometric configuration that achieves an elastic response through bending when the floor element is loaded; specifically, the strips are curved or bent convexly or concavely, wherein pressure on the floor element causes their local straightening or reduced curvature, or the strips are straight, but pressure on the floor element initiates their bending.
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Description

Field of the invention

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of building elements intended for installation in floors / floorings / horizontal floor constructions as an insulating layer designed to limit the transmission of impact sound from the walking surface to the rest of the construction. The invention in question relates to the floor element offering impact noise insulation. The present invention relates to a floor element for protection against impact noise.Background of the invention and the technical problem

[0002] Impact noise occurs when sound vibrations travel through a medium other than air happening when two or more objects hit or collide with each other. Examples of impact noise include a construction impact hammer, a ball bouncing on the floor, or water splashing through the pipes. Sources of impact noise are occupants of the building who, through their activities, directly mechanically load the walking surface, e.g., by walking, jumping, moving chairs, etc. The source of impact noise can also be users' devices, such as a treadmill, household appliances like a washing machine, or the building's operational equipment, such as pumps, ventilation devices, and the like.

[0003] During the construction / installation of floors or walkable horizontal separating constructions, load-bearing assemblies typically do not achieve sufficient levels of impact sound insulation. Therefore, additional layers or assemblies are incorporated as an extra measure for impact noise protection.

[0004] The insulation element / layer provides protection against impact noise together with layers above it. Together they are referred to as a so-called floating floor (Rindel, 2017: https: / / doi.org / 10.1201 / 9781351228206), which is placed as an addition to the structural floor. Figure 1 shows a typical composition of insulation layers, where A represents the top / floating / walking layer, B represents the insulation layer / element, and C is the structural floor base. Common components of the top / floating / walking layer include cement screed, a system for underfloor heating or cooling, and a top walking surface such as parquet, laminate, or ceramic tiles. The structural floor layer varies depending on the type of building construction and is typically a reinforced concrete slab, a cross-laminated timber panel (CLT), or similar.

[0005] The main characteristic of the i) insulation element / layer is its elastic response, meaning that it resists / responds to mechanical deformation with a force proportional to the deformation, and ii) layers above the insulation need to provide sufficient mass (load). The elastic insulation element and the upper layers together form a mass-spring resonator system, whose most important building-acoustic parameter is the resonance frequency [ISO 12354-2:2017]: f 0 = 160 s ′ m ′ where s' represents dynamic stiffness of the insulation element per unit area [ISO 9052-1: 1989], and m' represents the surface mass of the layers that load the insulation element.

[0006] To improve sound insulation against the impact noise of a floating floor, the following relationship is known (Rindel, 2017, p. 291): ΔL = 40 log f f 0

[0007] Where f is the observed frequency. It follows from this relationship that to achieve a high improvement in noise protection, a low resonant frequency f 0 is required. To achieve this, it follows from Eq 1, an elastic layer with low dynamic stiffness s' and an upper layer with high mass m' is needed.

[0008] In addition to low stiffness, an essential requirement of the insulation layer is that vertical loads, to which the layer is exposed, and which can range from a few 10 kg / m 2< to several 1000 kg / m 2< , do not damage the elastic layer, namely in the form of fractures or other permanent deformations.

[0009] Today, insulation layers / elements for impact sound protection are most often made of expanded polystyrene (EPS) or mineral wool, materials which are not sustainable or renewable. In addition, they are used in large quantities, which further burdens the environment.

[0010] The technical problem, which is solved by the present invention, is designing insulation for impact noise that is more environmentally acceptable than currently known solutions.Prior art

[0011] In current construction practice, relatively homogeneous materials laid in layers, often as boards or rolls, are typically used for impact sound insulation: mineral wool, glass wool, expanded polystyrene, polyethylene, rubber, cork. Alternatively, discretely distributed elastic elements / components are also used, often in the form of steel springs or rubber spacers, polyurethane foam in strips, etc. Manufacturers of the listed insulation solutions select insulation layer components with appropriate geometry and mechanical and dynamic properties, aiming to achieve the desired performance in impact sound protection and acceptable load. The two key technical parameters are dynamic stiffness [ISO 9052-1:1989] and compressibility [ISO 29469:2022], which are provided within the technical documentation of materials.

[0012] Patent application JPH01290873A describes floorboards that include a lower wooden board containing channels and a rubber elastic material in the form of natural rubber shavings / chips with a grain size of 1.5-3 mm, and an upper wooden board bonded with a decorative sheet or similar. Bending of the floor material is damped by the elastic material to improve living comfort, and bending of the floor material is prevented by the channels, and air between the floor material and the subfloor is released during vibrations to dampen secondary vibrations. The principle of achieving sound protection is completely different from the present invention.

[0013] Utility model CN211714483U discloses a wooden floor with sound insulation. The solid wood floor sequentially comprises a solid wood layer, a sound insulation layer, and a base plate layer from top to bottom. Multiple support seats with arc-shaped aluminum alloy parts are evenly distributed within the sound insulation layer, the upper ends of the seats support the solid wood layer, while the lower portions are connected to the base plate layer. The space between the support seats and the interior of the support seats are filled with sound-insulating materials. The sound insulation has a sound-insulating effect, while the floor surface cannot sink after prolonged use.

[0014] Patent application CN110878624A discloses a solution, where a profiled layer is present, but is not made of the same material as the present invention and is not used as an elastic layer, but as a damping layer. As the elastic layer, the named components are damping springs, which elastically transmit force.

[0015] Attempts to develop more environmentally friendly insulation layers / elements in floating floors are known, such as the use of recycled polymers (Zini et al., 2016: doi:10.17265 / 1934-7359 / 2016.08.001), cork and cigarette filters (Garcia et al., 2022: doi:10.1177 / 01436244211053719), non-woven textiles (Rubino et al., 2023: doi:10.1016 / j.jclepro.2023.136098), multilayer composite panels made of jute, polyester, and polypropylene (Aly et al., 2021; doi:10.1016 / j.jobe.2021.102747), fig fibers (Gomez et al., 2020: doi:10.1016 / j.apacoust.2020.107240), composites made of EVA and rice husks (Borges, 2018: doi:10.1016 / j.conbuildmat.2017.11.078), and particleboards made of corn cobs (Faustino et al., 2012: doi:10.1016 / j.conbuildmat.2012.07.064). All these solutions differ from the present invention.Description of the solution to the technical problem

[0016] The present invention addresses the shortcomings of known solutions and enables effective protection against impact noise. The technical problem is solved as defined in independent patent claims, while preferred solutions are defined in dependent claims.

[0017] The essence of the invention lies in the use of strips made of lignocellulosic material, preferably wooden strips, as part of the insulating element or layer, wherein said strips are positioned between a base plate and the structural floor where the floor elements will be installed, or between the base plate and a layer that will be located above the floor element. The insulating layer may also include spacers, which are either attached to the surface of the base plate, and / or to the upper and / or lower surface of each wooden strip. The invention is based on the fact that the elastic properties of wood can be utilized through its geometric configuration, which allows for bending. The strips are arranged in a geometric configuration that achieves an elastic response through bending when the floor is loaded. For this purpose, in one possible embodiment, the strips are curved or bent, whereby pressure on the floor element causes their local straightening or reduced curvature. In another possible embodiment, the strips are straight, but pressure on the floor element initiates their curving. Spacers enable the latter. The elastic response can be further influenced by i) the choice of strip material, ii) the dimensions of the strips, and iii) the number of strips per unit area integrated onto the base plate.

[0018] The floor element according to the invention thus comprises: a base plate, an insulation layer comprising: ∘ at least one strip configured to change shape upon pressure on the floor element, ∘ optionally, at least one spacer for determining the height of the insulating layer, which can optionally also serve for mounting at least one strip, ∘ optionally, at least one movement limiter to prevent permanent deformation, damage, and / or fracture under excessive loads, optionally, a second base plate, enabling the closure of the insulating layer into a sandwich structure.

[0019] At least one strip is adapted for shape change either through the curvature of the strip or a combination of a straight strip and spacers that cause curving upon pressure on the floor element, as described above. An embodiment of the base plate with a groove and a raised edge part (where a spacer is typically located) is possible, such that the base plate itself functions as both a base plate and a spacer.

[0020] The lignocellulosic material for the strips can be wood, various wood composites, wood fibers in a suitable matrix, or the mentioned lignocellulosic material can be part of a material such as bioplastic. Preferably, the strips are wooden and can be made from: solid wood, such as beech or any other wood species, wood composite, such as plywood, or wood-based composite, such as wood veneer - cork - wood veneer.

[0021] Due to their bending properties, the strips are preferably cut with the direction of the wood fibers predominantly aligned with the longer dimension of the strip on the surface. This reduces the possibility of strip fracture.

[0022] The preferred dimensions of the strips are: length from 100 to 1000 mm, width from 15 to 150 mm, thickness from 1 mm to 8 mm.

[0023] Typically, the strips are 320 mm long, 50 mm wide, and 2 mm thick, but this can be adjusted according to the desired final dimension and desired insulating capability.

[0024] The number of strips used ranges from 1 to 100 per m 2< , preferably from 10 to 90 strips per m 2< . In a possible embodiment, only one strip may be used, its width appropriately extended to obtain an element of suitable size. In this case, the strip is more like a plate, which does not prevent it from functioning in the same way as embodiments with a larger number of narrower strips.

[0025] Spacers are intended to achieve height differences and provide protection against excessive load, as in such cases, they take the load upon themselves by forming a direct rigid contact with the structural floor. Spacers can be constructed from rigid material (e.g., wood) or in combination with other insulating materials that are more elastic, such as cork, rubber, or polyurethane foam. Spacers can also be designed as part of the base plate itself, so that the plate has a greater thickness in the areas where the spacers are located. Spacers can be 2 to 8 cm wide, 1 to 5 cm high, and their length adapted to the strip, or longer than the strip. Movement limiters are also generally spacers, but with smaller dimensions, as will be described below in the detailed description of the invention.

[0026] A base plate is integrated into the insulating layer, onto which the remaining elements are placed, and it serves for the uniform distribution of load onto the strips or spacers. The base plate is made from a wooden panel (e.g., plywood) or similar material and dimensions that allow handling on site (laying) and efficient prefabrication.

[0027] The orientation of the entire insulating element / assembly can also be rotated by 180 degrees relative to the horizontal axis compared to the description provided, as this does not affect the operation of the insulating element. The base plate can thus be installed facing upwards or downwards, i.e., away from or onto the structural floor.

[0028] In the area outside the strips within the insulating layer, it is optionally possible to: include installations, place elements for underfloor heating / cooling, add additional insulating layers, which may be intended for damping impact noise, airborne noise, or limiting thermal conductivity, and / or introduce a ventilation system for the inter-story construction (relevant for wooden buildings).

[0029] Compared to the closest identified solution described in the aforementioned document CN211714483U, there are several differences, the most obvious of which are the following: that the known solution does not mention impact noise or the required elastic properties of the material or construction, that the ends of the strips in the known solution CN211714483U move freely and spread apart under load, meaning the elastic response is achieved by free bending, which is too small to provide noticeable insulation against impact noise, whereas in the present invention, the strips deform, making impact noise insulation possible, that the purpose of using cork spacers is to prevent long-term settlement of the insulating layer / element, whereas the present invention uses spacers to achieve height differences and provide protection against excessive load, as in such cases, they take the load upon themselves by forming direct rigid contact with the structural floor, the arc-shaped elements are intended for placing sound insulation, whereas the present invention, in a possible embodiment, has bent strips to ensure the elastic response of the insulating element and consequently impact noise insulation, as well as that the arc-shaped elements are made of aluminum alloy.

[0030] The invention introduces the possibility of manufacturing an effective insulating layer / element intended for protection against impact noise, which can be produced based on discrete strip elements that can also be entirely wooden. Thus, the present invention introduces the possibility of implementing an insulating layer / element based on a renewable material.

[0031] The invention can be used in different buildings as an additional insulation layer in floor constructions and ca be installed in any known manner known or obvious to the skilled person.

[0032] The invention will be described in further detail based on possible embodiments and figures which show: Figure 1Typical composition of a floating floor showing the insulating layer from the state of the art Figure 2Four possible embodiments of the floor element Figure 3Schematic representation of the cross-section of the first possible embodiment of the insulating layer Figure 4Schematic representation of the first possible embodiment, showing the state of the strip without additional load (left) and the deformation of the strip under the action of load F, causing floor settlement d (right) Figure 5Schematic representation of the cross-section of the second possible embodiment of the insulating layer Figure 6Schematic representation of the second possible embodiment, showing the state of the strip without additional load (left) and the bending of the strip under the action of load F, causing floor settlement d (right) Figure 7Installation of a bent strip, wedged between spacers into the base plate (Figure 7a), or into a groove made in the base plate (Figure 7b) Figure 8Floor element according to a possible embodiment, where multiple sets of curved strips are installed Figure 9Floor element from Figure 8a with installed spacers for limiting vertical movements in three different designs Figure 10Floor element according to a possible embodiment, where multiple sets of straight strips are installed Figure 11Floor element from Figure 10a with installed spacers for limiting vertical movements in three different designs Figure 12Measured resonant frequencies for a load of 200 kg / m 2< for different types of strips in a possible embodiment of the floor element with curved strips using 30 strips / m 2< , compared to commercially available EPS material. Figure 13Measured impact noise level for a floor assembly including a possible embodiment with curved strips as the insulating element / layer (Figure 13a) and a known solution with 3 cm mineral wool (Figure 13b), where the measurement was performed according to ISO standard 10140-3

[0033] As already mentioned in the introduction, Figure 1 shows the known prior art, wherein the insulating layer B contains various materials, such as rock wool or the like. The following figures relate to the present invention and its possible embodiments, which are strictly exemplary and in no way the only possible or limiting.

[0034] Figure 2 shows four different possible embodiments, where the floor element that comprises: a base plate 1, 1' and an insulating layer, which comprises: ∘ spacers 3, 3a', 3b', which are placed on two parallel edges of the base plate 1, 1', and ∘ at least one strip 2, 2', which is adapted for shape change upon application of pressure to the floor element, and is either curved or straight, wherein the floor element upon installation can be installed with the base plate 1, 1' upwards or with the base plate 1, 1' downwards.

[0035] According to a possible embodiment, there is one strip 2, shaped like a plate, clamped by spacers 3 such that the plate is curved.

[0036] According to a second possible embodiment, there is one strip 2', shaped like a plate, attached to spacer 3a' such that the spacer 3a' is between the strip and the base plate 1, 1', and another spacer 3b' is placed in the middle on the upper surface of the strip, shaped like a strip or a plurality of spacers arranged in a straight line.

[0037] According to a third possible embodiment, there are multiple strips 2, clamped by spacers 3 such that each strip 2 is curved.

[0038] According to a fourth possible embodiment, there are multiple strips, attached to a spacer, such that spacer 3a' is between the strip and the base plate 1, 1', and a plurality of spacers 3b' arranged in a straight line are placed in the middle on the upper surface of the strip.

[0039] Figure 3 shows an example of placing the floor element on a structural floor 4, which in this possible embodiment includes: a base plate 1, a plurality of spacers 3, which are evenly distributed on the lower surface of the base plate 1, a plurality of curved wooden strips 2, wherein each wooden strip 2 has a first and a second end, which are each clamped onto their respective spacer 3 at the junction between the base plate and the spacer, and a central part adapted to touch the structural floor, wherein an additional optional spacer is located above each central part.

[0040] Such a floor element can be installed on any structural floor 4 in known ways, either with the base plate 1 upwards or downwards. It is also possible for the floor element to be equipped on both sides with a first and a second base plate, enclosing the insulating layer.

[0041] The strips can be fastened into the base plate such that they are wedged at their ends into dedicated grooves U in the base plate or between spacers 3. Figure 7a shows the installation of a curved strip using spacers 3, while in the possible embodiment shown in Figure 7b, each strip is installed in a groove U in the base plate 1, adapted to receive the end of the strip. The groove can be arbitrarily shaped, but preferably it is designed to lock the strip in position preventing it to exit the groove. The spacers 3 can be interconnected or designed as a longer strip to increase the stiffness of the base plate 1. The strip can be straight or pre-bent before placement. After placement, each strip is symmetrically bent (arched) to achieve a deflection typically of 3 cm, as shown in Figure 3. The length of the strip and the distance between fixation points can influence the bending of the strips and thus the thickness of the insulating element / layer. The strips can be bent convexly or concavely relative to the base plate, which does not change the elastic response of the plates upon pressure on the base plate. The strips are evenly distributed over the surface of the base plate, thereby ensuring uniform load distribution. The strips are placed parallel, or in another orientation that allows their distribution. In the area outside the strip and / or in the area of the most deflected part of the strip, movement limiters are optionally added, which prevent permanent deformations, damage, or even fracture under excessive loads, their number and dimension being selected according to the required load capacity that the insulating layer / material should withstand. Movement limiters are typically 2 mm lower than the bent height of the strip and are not in direct contact with the structural floor, except in the case of increased load.

[0042] The mechanism for achieving the elastic response is the deformation of the strip, which reshapes under load. This process is schematically shown in Figure 4, where the reshaping of the strip under the action of a vertical load (force) F is visible, resulting in a settlement d. Thus, the part of the curved strip in contact with the structural floor increases, and the protection against impact noise is a consequence of the elastic response generated by the strip during the vertical displacement of the upper layers.

[0043] Figures 8a and 8b show a possible embodiment where multiple curved strips are used, forming three surfaces. The base plate is divided into three parts by four spacers, into which a plurality of strips are placed. There can be fewer or more strips than shown in this figure, and the number of spacers is also arbitrary depending on the size of the base plate and how many parts it is desired to divide it into. Such adjustments are part of the ordinary practice of a skilled person.

[0044] Figure 8b includes more spacers, where compared to Figure 8a, each part of the base plate is further divided into two smaller parts, and the strips are placed between pairs of spacers such that a spacer runs centrally under their curved part. In these embodiments too, the curvature of the strips can be convex or concave, and the floor element can be installed with the base plate upwards or downwards. Optionally, the floor element in these embodiments can also be equipped with an additional base plate enclosing the insulating layer in a sandwich structure. As shown in Figure 9, these embodiments can also be equipped with movement limiters 5a, 5b, 5c to prevent permanent deformations, damage, or even fracture under excessive loads. They are smaller (lower) than the first set of spacers so that they are not in contact with the strip or the plate. The movement limiters can be designed as rod-like spacers 5a placed under the most deflected part of the strips (Figure 9a), as rod-like spacers 5b placed parallel to the strips between the strips themselves (Figure 9b), or as a plurality of individual smaller (point-like) spacers 5c, which are arranged in lines under the most deflected part of the strips (Figure 9c).

[0045] According to a second possible embodiment, shown in Figures 5 and 6, the floor element comprises: a base plate 1' an insulating layer ∘ a plurality of spacers 3a', which are evenly distributed on the lower surface of the base plate, ∘ a plurality of straight wooden strips 2', wherein each wooden strip contacts from the upper side at least two spacers 3a' ∘ a plurality of spacers 3b', which contact the strips from the lower side and are offset in plan view relative to the spacers 3a', ∘ optionally, a plurality of movement limiters 5' for preventing excessive loads, which are placed aligned in plan view relative to the spacers 3a' and 3b'. The movement limiters 5' are not necessarily required to achieve sound insulation and may not be implemented or may be implemented in reduced numbers. They are smaller (lower) than the first set of spacers 3a', 3b', so that they are not in contact with the strip or the plate.

[0046] Spacers are attached to the lower side of the base plate at an axial spacing of 5 to 30 cm. The spacers are connected to the strip, which is attached to the spacers by gluing or another form of fastening. A second set of spacers is attached to the lower side of the strip, symmetrically offset relative to the spacers that are in contact with the base plate. The spacers are evenly distributed over the surface of the base plate, thereby ensuring uniform load distribution. Typically, 20 spacers per m 2< are installed, although the number can be up to 2 times lower if a less stiff response is desired, and up to 3 times higher if a stiffer response is desired. The spacers can be interconnected or designed as a longer strip to increase the stiffness of the base plate.

[0047] The mechanism for achieving the elastic response is the deformation of the strip, which bends under load. This process is schematically drawn in Figure 6, showing the bending of the strip under the action of a vertical load (force) F, resulting in a settlement d.

[0048] Figures 10a and 10b show a possible embodiment where multiple straight strips 2' are used, connecting more than two spacers 3a', 3b'. There can be fewer or more strips than shown in this figure, and the number of spacers is also arbitrary depending on the size of the base plate. Such adjustments are part of the ordinary practice of a skilled person.

[0049] Figure 10b includes more spacers, where compared to Figure 10a, some of the strips are placed with an offset. In these embodiments too, the floor element can be installed with the base plate upwards or downwards. Optionally, the floor element in these embodiments can also be equipped with an additional base plate enclosing the insulating layer in a sandwich structure. As shown in Figure 11, these embodiments can also be equipped with movement limiters to prevent permanent deformations, damage, or even fracture under excessive loads. They are smaller (lower) than the first set of spacers, so they are not in contact with the plate. The movement limiter can be designed as a spacer above the set of spacers 3b', so they are on the same surface of the strip as spacers 3a' (Figure 11a), as a spacer above the set of spacers 3a', so they are on the same surface of the strip as spacers 3b' (Figure 11b), or as a rod-like spacer arranged between the strips 2' (Figure 11c).

[0050] Figure 12 shows the measured resonant frequencies at a load of 200 kg / m 2< for different types of floor elements with curved strips, with a comparison made to commercially available EPS material. On the x-axis of Figure 12, number 1 denotes elasticized EPS material, while numbers 2 through 9 denote the following materials: 2) Strips 320 x 25 x 4 mm beech plywood 3) Strips 320 x 25 x 4 mm beech 12% moisture content 4) Strips 320 x 25 x 4 mm beech 6% moisture content 5) Strips 320 x 25 x 4 mm beech 20% moisture content 6) Strips 320 x 12.5 x 4 mm beech 12% moisture content 7) Strips 320 x 50 x 4 mm beech 12% moisture content 8) Strips 320 x 12.5 x 3 mm beech 12% moisture content 9) Strips 320 x 12.5 x 5 mm beech 12% moisture content

[0051] All tested floor elements had resonant frequencies in the range between 15 and 25 Hz, whereas the resonant frequency measured for EPS exceeded 30 Hz. In accordance with equations 1 and 2, a greater improvement in impact noise protection is expected at a lower resonant frequency.

[0052] The floor elements according to the invention were tested in accordance with the measurement standard ISO 10140-3 for impact noise measurements under laboratory conditions. The noise source was a standardized source, and the noise level was measured in the receiving (lower) room. Figure 13a shows the measured impact noise level for an inter-story construction assembly that includes the floor element with curved strips as the insulating element / layer, where the measured level is 53 dB. The measurements are also presented in the table below: frequency f [Hz]L nT [dB]5055,56352,38059,910050,612558,116060,520060,125055,231554,340053,850050,363052,880051,1100051,2125048,1160046,4200043250040,8315035,5400031,8500026,5

[0053] Figure 13b shows the measurement for a commercial element, which includes 3 cm of mineral wool, for which the measured level is 49 dB. The measurements are also presented in the table below: frequency f [Hz]L nT [dB]5058,56362,580621005112552,716057,220056,725053,731550,34004650045,263047,680045,6100045,5125043,1160041,3200038,5250035,3315032,3400028,7500024,4

[0054] Both elements are similar in terms of their impact noise insulation capability and achieve a comparable level, as shown by the results in the tables and Figures 13a and 13b.

Claims

1. A floor element for protection against impact noise comprises an insulating layer, comprising at least one strip (2, 2') made of lignocellulosic material, wherein said strips (2, 2') are arranged in a geometric configuration that upon applying load to the floor element achieves an elastic response through bending; wherein the strips (2, 2') are curved or bent convexly or concavely, wherein pressure on the floor element causes their local straightening or reduced curvature, or the strips (2, 2') are straight, but pressure on the floor element initiates their bending.

2. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to claim 1, wherein the insulation layer comprises: - at least one strip (2, 2') arranged for change shape upon pressure on the floor element, - at least one spacer (3, 3a', 3b') determining the height of the insulating layer, which can optionally also serve for mounting at least one strip (2, 2').

3. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein: - one strip (2, 2') shaped as a plate is provided, or - two or more strips (2, 2'), preferably a plurality of strips, are provided.

4. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strips (2, 2') are attached to the base plate (1, 1') such that they are wedged at their ends into dedicated grooves (U) in the base plate (1, 1') or between the base plate (1, 1') and spacers (3, 3a', 3b') or are attached to said spacers (3a', 3b').

5. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein spacers (3, 3a', 3b') are made from a rigid material, for example from wood or in combination with other insulating materials that are more elastic, such as cork, rubber, or polyurethane foam.

6. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein spacers (3, 3a', 3b') have a width from 2 to 8 cm, height from 1 to 5 cm and are attached at an axial spacing of 5 to 30 cm and installed in the range from 10 to 60 spacers per m2.

7. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein - spacers (3, 3a', 3b') are evenly distributed on the base plate, or - spacers (3, 3a', 3b') are provided in several series, which may be parallel or symmetrically offset.

8. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein spacers (3, 3a', 3b') are designed as strips or cuboids or cubes.

9. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the lignocellulose material for the strips (2, 2') is wood, various wood composites, wood fibers in a suitable matrix or bioplastic, wherein the strips (2, 2') are preferably made from: - solid wood, such as beech or any other wood species, - wood composite, such as plywood, or - wood-based composite, such as wood veneer - cork - wood veneer.

10. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strips (2, 2') are wooden and cut with the direction of the wood fibers predominantly aligned with the longer dimension of the strip on the surface.

11. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the strips (2, 2') are evenly distributed on the base plate and the number of strips (2, 2') is from 1 to 100 per m2, preferably from 10 to 90 strips per m2 and the strip (2, 2') dimensions are: - length from 100 to 1000 mm, - width from 15 to 150 mm, - thickness from 1 mm to 8 mm.

12. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation layer comprises at least one movement limiter (5a, 5b, 5c, 5') for preventing permanent deformation, damage, and / or fracture under excessive loads.

13. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to claim 12, wherein the insulation layer comprises: - the base plate (1'), - the insulation layer comprising: ∘ a plurality of spacers (3a'), which are evenly distributed on the lower surface of the base plate, ∘ a plurality of straight wooden strips (2'), wherein each wooden strip contacts from the upper side at least two spacers (3a'), ∘ a plurality of spacers (3b'), which contact the strips from the lower side and are offset in plan view relative to the spacers (3a'), ∘ optionally, a plurality of movement limiters (5') for preventing excessive loads, which are placed aligned in plan view relative to the spacers (3a' and 3b'), ∘ wherein several series of strips (2, 2') and spacers (3, 3a', 3b') as well as movement limiters (5a, 5b, 5c, 5') are provided one next to another, wherein the series can be parallel or offset.

14. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to claim 12 or 13, wherein movement limiters (5a, 5b, 5c, 5') for preventing fracture upon excessive load are designed as: - rod-like spacers placed under the most deflected part of the strips, - rod-like spacers placed parallel to the strips between the strips themselves, - a plurality of individual smaller spacers, which are arranged in lines under the most deflected part of the strips, or - spacers above the series of spacers (3b'), so that they are provided on the same surface of the strip as the spacers (3a'), or - spacers above the series of spacers (3a'), so that they are provided on the same surface of the strip as the spacers (3b'), or - rod-like spacers arranged between the strips.

15. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the floor element comprises a second base plate, which allows enclosing the insulation layer into a sandwich structure.

16. The floor element for protection against impact noise according to any of the preceding claims, wherein the insulation layer is provided with at least one or more elements selected in the group comprising: - installations, - elements for underfloor heating / cooling, - additional insulating layers, which may be intended for damping impact noise, airborne noise, or limiting thermal conductivity, and / or - a ventilation system for the inter-story construction.

Citation Information

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