Acoustic Panel Mounting Plate for Hidden Tool-Free Fastening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic panel systems are time-consuming and costly to install due to their rigid design and requirement for visible screws, limiting flexibility and aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
An acoustic panel system featuring a mounting plate with perforations or embossments for tool-free installation of acoustic elements using friction-connecting fastening elements, allowing for flexible positioning and enhanced sound absorption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If acoustic panels are fastened using screws through the front surface, then secure fastening is achieved, but visible screws deteriorate aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening direction is inverted: instead of fastening from the front surface through the panel, the system fastens from the rear side. The mounting plate is attached to the wall/ceiling first, then acoustic elements are secured to the mounting plate from behind, hiding all fastening components from the room interior and eliminating visible screws while maintaining secure fastening.
Solution Approach 2:
A mounting plate serves as an intermediary component between the wall/ceiling surface and the acoustic elements. This intermediate structure provides a hidden fastening surface on the rear side, allowing secure attachment of acoustic elements without exposing fastening hardware from the front, thus resolving the conflict between secure fastening and aesthetic appearance.
2Manufacturing precision
If acoustic panels use premanufactured laminate construction, then manufacturing precision is improved, but installation flexibility and adaptability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into separate components: a mounting plate and individual acoustic elements. This segmentation allows the mounting plate to be precisely manufactured with standardized perforation patterns while acoustic elements can be selected and arranged flexibly to meet different acoustic and aesthetic requirements, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while enhancing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a rigid premanufactured laminate to a dynamic assembly system where acoustic elements can be independently positioned and arranged. The standardized mounting plate with multiple perforation options enables flexible configuration and reconfiguration of acoustic elements to adapt to different room acoustics and design requirements.
3Strength
If traditional screw fastening through laths is used, then secure attachment is achieved, but installation time and labor costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening system incorporates self-service features through friction-connecting means that enable tool-free attachment. The acoustic elements can be directly secured to the mounting plate by inserting and pressing them into place, where friction and geometric interlocking provide secure attachment without requiring screws, drills, or other tools, dramatically reducing installation time while maintaining secure attachment.
4Ease of operation
If tool-free friction connecting is used, then installation speed and ease are improved, but fastening strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges multiple fastening mechanisms within the friction-connecting means: friction engagement between the acoustic element and mounting plate, geometric interlocking through the perforation and element shape, and potential elastic deformation of flexible elements. This combination of mechanisms provides secure fastening strength comparable to or exceeding traditional screw fastening while maintaining tool-free installation ease.
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
Facilitates quick, easy installation of acoustic panels with improved aesthetic and sound absorption properties, reducing labor costs and increasing installation speed.
Implementation Method 1
the first part or the second part being arranged with a friction-connecting means, such that the first part or the second part may be connected to the mounting plate or the acoustic elements without the use of any tools
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
The present invention relates to an acoustic panel system, a fastening element, and a method for arranging an acoustic panel system on a wall or ceiling surface. The system comprises a mounting plate, suitable for fastening to a wall or ceiling surface, and a number of acoustic elements suitable for fastening to the mounting plate via a number of individual fastening elements, where a first part or a second part of the fastening element comprises friction- connecting means, such that the acoustic elements can be mounted to the mounting plate without the use of any tools.