Acoustic Panel Joints Using Edge Openings for Sound Attenuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing securing structures for adjacent acoustic panels in gas turbine engines often block a significant portion of the cells, reducing the sound-reducing efficiency of the panels.

Innovation Solution

A securing mechanism that uses openings, such as angled notches or holes, in the edges of adjacent acoustic panels to accommodate securing members like pins, allowing for secure attachment without obstructing the cells and maintaining sound attenuation efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional securing structures are used to connect adjacent acoustic panels, then the panels are securely attached, but the cells are blocked and sound-reducing efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel attachment reliabilityVSAvoidsound attenuation efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The securing structure is divided into multiple discrete securing members (such as pins or fasteners) that are spaced apart from each other. Each securing member individually connects adjacent panels at specific locations, allowing the majority of the cell structures to remain unobstructed and maintain sound attenuation functionality while still providing reliable panel attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Strength

If securing members are placed to connect adjacent panels, then the panels are securely attached, but the cells are obstructed and acoustic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvejoint strengthVSAvoidsound energy attenuation

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The securing members are strategically positioned at specific locations on the panel edges where structural connection is needed, rather than covering the entire edge area. This localized approach provides sufficient joint strength for secure attachment while leaving the majority of the cell structures exposed to maintain their sound energy attenuation function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Ease of manufacture

If openings are created in panel edges for securing members, then panels can be securely connected, but the panel structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel assembly easeVSAvoidpanel edge structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The openings (such as holes or notches) are pre-formed in the panel edges during the panel manufacturing process, before the panels are assembled into the acoustic treatment structure. This preliminary action allows the openings to be created using standard manufacturing techniques without adding significant complexity to the final assembly process, and the securing members can be easily inserted during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS12486804B2Joints between acoustic panels

Publication Date: 2025.12.02 RTX CORP

AI summary

An acoustic structure includes at least a pair of adjacent panels. The panels have edges, and the panels define a plurality of cells. A first of the at least a pair of acoustic panels is connected to a second of the pair of acoustic panels at adjacent ones of the edges. There is a pair of spaced faces in each acoustic panel between which the plurality of cells extend. There are openings in each of the edges of each of the adjacent acoustic panels, and between a first of the faces and a second of the faces. A securing member extends through the openings in each of the first and the second of the adjacent acoustic panels. A gas turbine engine is also disclosed.