Acoustic Attenuation Panel With Expandable Core Reinforcement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for acoustic attenuation panels requires two polymerization cycles, increasing time and energy consumption, and necessitates the use of specific composite materials and joining elements to achieve a solid bond between layers.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an expandable core between the wings of a C-shaped reinforcement to withstand compressive forces during polymerization, allowing a single polymerization cycle and reducing manufacturing time and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If two polymerization cycles are used to manufacture the acoustic attenuation panel, then the structural integrity and bonding between layers is improved, but the manufacturing time and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidmanufacturing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped reinforcement is pre-formed with the desired geometry and bonding surfaces before being integrated into the panel assembly. This preliminary preparation ensures that during the single polymerization cycle, the reinforcement is immediately ready to withstand compressive forces and establish strong bonds with the acoustic layers, eliminating the need for a second polymerization cycle while maintaining structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the polymerization process parameters by consolidating two separate cycles into one optimized cycle. The single cycle uses controlled temperature and pressure parameters that simultaneously achieve complete bonding between all layers and sufficient rigidity of the C-shaped reinforcement, thereby reducing manufacturing time while preserving the required structural strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If two polymerization cycles are used, then the bonding between layers is improved, but the energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The C-shaped reinforcement and acoustic layers are pre-assembled in the correct configuration with proper alignment before the polymerization process. This preliminary assembly ensures that during the single polymerization cycle, all bonding surfaces are optimally positioned to achieve maximum bonding strength in one go, eliminating the need for a second energy-consuming polymerization cycle

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the polymerization parameters including temperature profile, pressure application, and cycle duration to achieve complete bonding in a single cycle. The parameters are carefully controlled to ensure sufficient energy is provided for strong inter-layer bonding without requiring repeated polymerization cycles, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining bonding quality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If thermoplastic composites and joining elements are used to bond layers during the second polymerization cycle, then the bonding between layers is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebonding strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complexity of thermoplastic composites and separate joining elements from the manufacturing process. Instead, it relies on the intrinsic bonding capability of the C-shaped reinforcement and acoustic layers through a single polymerization cycle, where the reinforcement's geometry and material properties enable direct bonding without additional joining components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The C-shaped reinforcement serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables bonding with both acoustic layers, and withstands compressive forces during polymerization. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate joining elements and simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining strong inter-layer bonding

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

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 use of an expandable core in the C-shaped reinforcement enables a single polymerization cycle, thereby reducing manufacturing time and costs while maintaining structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

the expandable core is configured to occupy a first unexpanded state, at a first temperature, in which the expandable core occupies a first volume and a second expanded state, at a second temperature higher than the first temperature, in which the expandable core occupies a second volume larger than the first volume

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4663916A1Sound attenuation panel comprising at least one c-shaped reinforcement held by at least one expandable core and method for manufacturing such a panel
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 AIRBUS (SAS)
  • EP4663916A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4663916A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4663916A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to an acoustic attenuation panel comprising at least one resistive acoustic layer (42), at least one reflective layer (46), at least one honeycomb structure (44), and at least one C-shaped reinforcement (50) interposed between the resistive acoustic and reflective layers (42, 46), as well as at least one expandable core (52), positioned between the first and second wings of the C-shaped reinforcement (50), which increases in volume during a polymerization cycle. Thanks to this expandable core (52), it is no longer necessary to perform two polymerization cycles, one of which is required to stiffen the C-shaped reinforcement (50). The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing such a panel.