Compact AC Circuit Attenuator for Broad-Band Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current attenuation devices for air-conditioning systems are either bulky and heavy, limiting their use in space-constrained applications, or are limited to attenuating higher frequencies, making them unsuitable for wide frequency bands.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight attenuation device with a housing and dampening member featuring a partition plate and pipes that attenuate acoustic energy across a wide frequency range of 200 Hz to 2000 Hz, minimizing structural complexity and package size.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydropneumatic attenuators with additional gas volumes are used, then attenuation effect is achieved, but the device becomes bulky and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional gas volume from the attenuation device, extracting only the essential components needed for attenuation (housing, dampening member, partition plate, and pipes). This extraction eliminates the bulk and weight associated with gas volumes while preserving the core attenuation functionality through alternative acoustic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the hydropneumatic mechanism (relying on gas volume compression and expansion) with a purely mechanical acoustic attenuation system using partition plates and pipes. This substitution eliminates the need for compressible gas volumes while achieving attenuation through acoustic reflection and absorption principles.
2Reliability
If hydropneumatic attenuators with additional gas volumes are used, then attenuation effect is achieved, but the device becomes bulky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the additional gas volume from the attenuation device, extracting only the essential components needed for attenuation (housing, dampening member, partition plate, and pipes). This extraction eliminates the bulk and weight associated with gas volumes while preserving the core attenuation functionality through alternative acoustic mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs thin partition plates and pipe structures instead of bulky gas volumes. These thin, flexible-like components achieve the same attenuation purpose with minimal volume, allowing the device to be compact while maintaining effectiveness.
3Weight of stationary object
If fluid sound attenuators are used, then compact and lightweight construction is achieved, but attenuation action is sufficient only at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attenuation function into multiple segments: partition plates for reflecting and absorbing acoustic energy, and pipes for providing additional attenuation paths. This segmentation allows the device to handle a broader frequency range by combining multiple attenuation mechanisms, each effective at different frequencies, while maintaining a compact and lightweight structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple attenuation mechanisms (partition plate reflection, partition plate absorption, and pipe attenuation) into a single integrated dampening member. This combination enables the device to attenuate across a wide frequency range (200 Hz to 2000 Hz) while remaining compact and lightweight, overcoming the frequency limitation of conventional fluid sound attenuators.
4Volume of stationary object
If fluid sound attenuators are used, then compact construction is achieved, but attenuation action is sufficient only at higher frequencies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the attenuation function into multiple segments: partition plates for reflecting and absorbing acoustic energy, and pipes for providing additional attenuation paths. This segmentation allows the device to handle a broader frequency range by combining multiple attenuation mechanisms, each effective at different frequencies, while maintaining a compact and lightweight structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple attenuation mechanisms (partition plate reflection, partition plate absorption, and pipe attenuation) into a single integrated dampening member. This combination enables the device to attenuate across a wide frequency range (200 Hz to 2000 Hz) while remaining compact and lightweight, overcoming the frequency limitation of conventional fluid sound attenuators.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively reduces acoustic energy across a broad frequency range, minimizing noise and vibrations in air-conditioning systems while avoiding entrapment of fluids and maintaining performance across varying temperatures.
Implementation Method 1
fluid sound attenuators, so-called silencers, in which without an additional gas volume an attenuation effect takes place by reflection or absorption
Implementation Method 2
fluid sound attenuators, so-called silencers, in which without an additional gas volume an attenuation effect takes place by reflection or absorption
Data Source
AI summary
An attenuation device for a vehicle is provided, including a housing having a chamber formed therein. The housing is coupled to and in fluid communication with an air-conditioning circuit of the vehicle. A dampening member is disposed within the chamber of the housing. The dampening member includes a partition plate having at least one pipe disposed therein. The dampening member is configured to attenuate acoustic energy produced by a fluid of the air-conditioning circuit.