Acoustic Attenuation Device with Segmented Absorbent Inserts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic attenuation devices in buildings face issues with low fire resistance, recyclability, and environmental impact, as well as limited acoustic absorption properties, particularly in humid environments.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic attenuation device featuring two acoustically absorbent inserts separated by a longitudinal slot, supported by acoustically impermeable elements with partially exposed cover parts that create surface irregularities to enhance sound wave diffraction and absorption, while using materials like hemp concrete or mineral wool for improved performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If porous panels are used to improve acoustic absorption properties, then acoustic absorption performance is improved, but ease of operation and suitability in humid environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic panel is divided into multiple functional layers: a rigid support structure made of acoustically impermeable material (concrete, metal, or composite) and separate acoustically absorbent inserts (mineral wool, rock wool, or other absorbent materials) placed within cavities. This segmentation allows the structural component to provide mechanical strength and environmental durability while the inserts provide acoustic absorption, resolving the contradiction between acoustic performance and humid environment suitability.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses composite construction combining acoustically impermeable structural materials (such as concrete, metal, or fiber-reinforced composites) with acoustically absorbent materials (mineral wool, rock wool, or porous inserts). This composite approach enables the panel to simultaneously achieve high mechanical strength for humid environment resistance and effective acoustic absorption, eliminating the need for purely porous panels.
2Reliability
If traditional acoustic attenuation panels are used, then acoustic absorption is provided, but fire resistance and recyclability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
Different parts of the panel have different properties optimized for their specific functions: the structural support elements are made of fire-resistant, acoustically impermeable materials (concrete, metal, or fire-rated composites) while the acoustic absorption function is provided by separate inserts. This local differentiation allows the fire-resistant structural components to protect the overall assembly without compromising acoustic absorption performance.
3Strength
If cement concrete panels are used to improve mechanical strength, then structural strength is improved, but acoustic absorption properties deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel structure is segmented into a rigid cement concrete or metal support framework that provides mechanical strength, and separate acoustically absorbent inserts (mineral wool, rock wool, or porous materials) placed within cavities formed by the support structure. This segmentation allows the concrete or metal framework to provide structural integrity while the inserts provide acoustic absorption, resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and acoustic absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustically absorbent inserts act as intermediary elements that bridge the gap between the rigid acoustically impermeable support structure and the acoustic environment. These inserts are positioned within cavities to absorb sound waves while the support structure provides mechanical strength, allowing both functions to coexist without direct conflict.
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
The device achieves high acoustic absorption coefficients over a wide frequency range with increased mechanical strength and adaptability, reducing noise effectively while minimizing environmental impact.
Implementation Method 1
the presence of the longitudinal slot induces phenomena of pressure diffusion increasing the acoustic absorption at low frequencies
Implementation Method 2
Such surface irregularities, coupled with the presence of the two inserts made of acoustically absorbent material, respectively induce phenomena of diffraction of the sound waves coming from the space to be acoustically attenuated
Implementation Method 3
phenomena of acoustic absorption of said sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic attenuation device having two inserts made of acoustically absorbent material, the two inserts being different from each other and being separated from each other so as to delimit between them a longitudinal slot, each insert including a front surface intended to be oriented towards a space to be acoustically attenuated; and two support elements which are made of substantially acoustically impermeable material and which at least partially delimit an internal cavity in which the two inserts are disposed, each support element including a cover part partially covering the front surface of a respective insert such that the front surfaces of the two inserts are partially exposed, the two cover parts delimiting at least one passage opening which emerges into the internal cavity and which is located at least partially opposite the longitudinal slot so as to clear an access to the longitudinal slot.