Acoustic Suppression Panels Diagonal Cable Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound abatement systems for oil and gas operations are difficult to assemble, prone to collapse in high winds, require specialized hardware, lack integrated structural integrity, and are challenging to scale for tall structures, posing safety hazards and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs modular acoustic suppression panels affixed to vertical I-beams using diagonal fastening cables for frictional contact, creating an integrated structural framework that is easy to assemble, maintains integrity in high winds, and can be scaled without specialized hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional rigid fasteners are used to attach sound abatement panels to vertical beams, then the panels are securely attached, but the structure becomes prone to collapse in high wind conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fastening mechanism from rigid mechanical fasteners to a friction-based system using diagonal cables that apply tension to create frictional contact between the panel and vertical beam. This parameter change from rigid connection to friction-based connection allows the structure to flex with wind loads while maintaining attachment strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The diagonal cable fastening system allows the panels to dynamically adjust to wind loads by flexing and redistributing forces through the cable tension, rather than relying on rigid fasteners that create stress concentration points and cannot accommodate movement.
2Reliability
If complex specialized hardware is used to ensure structural integrity, then the structure can withstand high winds, but the assembly process becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal cable assembly serves multiple functions: it provides structural attachment, creates frictional contact for wind resistance, and allows for simple tensioning and adjustment. This universal fastening system replaces multiple specialized hardware components with a single multi-functional cable assembly that is both reliable and easy to install.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If rigid sound insulating materials like cementitious wood fiber are used, then sound abatement properties are improved, but the material deteriorates in harsh weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible acoustical blankets with fabric outer layers that are inherently more resistant to weather deterioration than rigid cementitious materials. These flexible covers can withstand harsh outdoor conditions while maintaining their sound absorption properties, eliminating the durability issues of rigid materials.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If tall sound abatement structures are constructed to meet noise regulations, then noise mitigation effectiveness is improved, but the structure becomes more vulnerable to wind damage
Solution Approach 1:
The diagonal cable fastening system enables tall structures to dynamically respond to wind loads by allowing controlled movement and force redistribution throughout the structure. This dynamic capability prevents catastrophic failure in tall structures that would otherwise be overly rigid and vulnerable to high winds.
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 solution enables rapid assembly, maintains structural integrity in high wind conditions, and allows for easy scaling of sound abatement structures, enhancing safety and efficiency in noise mitigation for oil and gas operations.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing one or more semi-rigid fasteners to provide for increased resistance to wind damage
Data Source
AI summary
A sound abatement system and method providing for assembly of stacked acoustic suppression walls is disclosed. The system incorporates vertical support members (VSM) and/or vertical I-beams (VIB) driven into the ground that support an acoustic suppression panel (ACP) array by virtue of diagonal fastening cables (DFC). The DFC in one preferred embodiment utilizes a combination of threaded J-hooks, cable loops, and angle iron to fix the ACP to the VSM/VIB by frictional contact.