Integrated Acoustic Modification Device with Sound Absorption and Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic enhancement systems for interior spaces are technically complex, time-consuming to install, costly, and limited in flexibility, as they primarily extend reverberation time without allowing for shortening, and require specialized expertise and extensive setup, making them unsuitable for many venues.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated sound absorption elements, omnidirectional loudspeakers, and sound detection means, arranged in a single housing or as distributed components, allowing for flexible adjustment of reverberation time and creation of virtual environments through acoustic simulation, using a control unit with a graphical interface for easy operation and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional acoustic enhancement systems are used to extend reverberation time, then acoustic quality is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereverberation time adjustmentVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sound absorption elements, loudspeakers, and control electronics into integrated architectural components or panels. This merging eliminates the need for separate distributed loudspeakers and microphones throughout the auditorium, reducing installation complexity while maintaining acoustic enhancement functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated components serve multiple functions: sound absorption for reverberation control, loudspeaker output for acoustic enhancement, and built-in detection means for automatic adjustment. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate systems, reducing overall device complexity while extending reverberation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If conventional acoustic systems are installed with multiple loudspeakers and microphones, then acoustic coverage is improved, but installation time and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic coverageVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating loudspeakers, sound absorption elements, and detection means into single architectural components, the patent reduces the number of individual devices to be installed. This merging maintains acoustic coverage through the integrated component's design while significantly reducing installation time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Manufacturing precision

If manual adjustment and tuning is performed by experts, then acoustic precision is improved, but adjustment time and expertise requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic tuning precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated detection means continuously monitor acoustic conditions and provide feedback to the control unit, which automatically adjusts system parameters. This feedback loop enables precise acoustic tuning without requiring expert manual intervention, reducing both adjustment time and expertise requirements while maintaining high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-adjustment through its built-in detection means and control unit that automatically optimize acoustic parameters based on real-time conditions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for expert manual tuning, reducing adjustment time while maintaining acoustic precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Reliability

If numerous loudspeakers are distributed throughout the auditorium, then sound distribution is improved, but maintenance accessibility and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound distributionVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating loudspeakers into architectural components with built-in sound absorption elements and detection means, the patent consolidates multiple devices into fewer integrated units. This reduces the number of components requiring maintenance while maintaining sound distribution through the integrated design, improving maintenance accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Enables flexible and cost-effective acoustic modification, allowing for both extension and shortening of reverberation time, simplifying installation and maintenance, and providing immersive virtual environments for various applications, including concert halls, recording studios, and private spaces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sound absorption element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

at least one loudspeaker for outputting additional and/or simulated room reflections

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectroacoustic transformation:

Implementation Method 3

at least one sound detection means

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection:

Data Source

PatentEP4428853A1Acoustic modification device of an interior acoustic system with integrated sound absorption element and sound detection means
Publication Date: 2024.09.11 KESSLER RALF
  • EP4428853A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4428853A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4428853A1 patent drawing

AI summary

In order to make a device for the acoustic modification of an interior acoustic, wherein the device has at least one sound absorption element and at least one sound capture means, as flexible as possible, the device further includes at least one loudspeaker for outputting additional and/or simulated room reflections.