Acoustic Panel Bracket System with Adjustable Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

The complex and time-consuming process of accurately positioning acoustic panels on vertical walls, particularly when spacing them apart and achieving overlaps, makes existing installation methods inefficient and aesthetically suboptimal.

Innovation Solution

A bracket system comprising a wall bracket with a fixing plate, spacer element, and support element, along with a panel bracket featuring barbs that penetrate the acoustic panel for secure attachment, allowing for easy installation and adjustable spacing without additional fixings, using a single manufacturing process for multiple dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If acoustic panels are spaced away from the wall to achieve aesthetic or acoustic purposes, then the visual and acoustic performance is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing configurationVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting system is divided into separate functional components: wall brackets affixed to the wall, panel brackets attached to the panels, and connection elements linking them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation by enabling modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Connection elements act as intermediaries between the wall brackets and panel brackets, providing a simple mechanical linkage that establishes the desired spacing without requiring complex direct attachment mechanisms between panels and wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Shape

If acoustic panels are positioned at different distances from the wall to achieve overlaps, then the aesthetic and acoustic performance is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoverlap configurationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system allows dynamic adjustment of panel positions at different distances from the wall by selecting different spacer lengths or configurations. This enables overlapping arrangements where panels are positioned at varying depths, creating aesthetic and acoustic benefits without requiring precise custom fabrication for each position.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The wall bracket and panel bracket design provides universal functionality for mounting panels at multiple distances from the wall. The same basic bracket components can accommodate different spacing requirements through interchangeable connection elements or adjustable mechanisms, eliminating the need for different specialized fixtures for each positioning scenario.

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

3Reliability

If traditional mounting methods are used for acoustic panels on vertical walls, then the panels can be affixed to the wall, but the process is complex and time-consuming with difficult positioning accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepanel affixationVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Wall brackets are pre-affixed to the wall at predetermined locations and angles before panel installation. This preliminary action establishes reference points and mounting positions, allowing panels to be quickly attached to the pre-positioned brackets without requiring complex positioning during the final installation step.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket system is designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning through its geometric configuration. The wall brackets and panel brackets feature shapes and connection points that naturally guide proper alignment during assembly, reducing the need for installer skill and measurement tools to achieve accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3710648B1Suspension system
Publication Date: 2024.07.03 ROCKWOOL AS
  • EP3710648B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3710648B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3710648B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sound absorbing system comprising: A wall (5); A wall bracket (1) that is affixed to the wall, the wall bracket comprising a fixing plate (6) which is affixed to and lies along the wall surface; a spacer element (7) connected to and projecting from the fixing plate so as to extend away from the wall and a support element (8) connected to the spacer element; A panel bracket (2) comprising a hook element (11) arranged to hang on the support element of the wall bracket and at least one barb (12) connected to the hook element and extending away from the wall And an acoustic panel (4) affixed to the panel bracket by means of the at least one barb penetrating the panel; such that the acoustic panel is positioned spaced away from the wall at a distance X from the wall and generally parallel to the wall.