Perforated Acoustic Panel With Removable Hole-Masking Layer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound absorbing panels with perforations face the challenge of having visible holes that are difficult to mask without compromising sound absorption, and existing masking solutions are expensive, complicated, or not easily replaceable.

Innovation Solution

A sound absorbing panel with perforations having a contrast between the perforations and the front surface less than 0.3, combined with a removably attached air-permeable masking layer, such as felt or polyester fleece, using a hook-and-loop fastener system, ensures minimal visibility of holes while maintaining sound absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Illumination intensity

If a masking layer is used to cover the visible holes in perforated sound absorbing panels, then the visual appearance is improved, but the sound absorbing effect decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidsound absorbing effect

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The masking layer is designed with locally varying properties: it has higher opacity in regions corresponding to perforations and lower opacity in regions corresponding to the panel surface. This local differentiation allows the masking layer to effectively conceal holes while maintaining sound absorption performance through the non-masking regions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The masking layer acts as an intermediary element between the perforated panel and the observer. It selectively masks visual information about the holes while allowing acoustic energy to pass through to the sound absorbing material behind the panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Illumination intensity

If a thick masking layer is used to completely mask the holes, then the visibility of perforations is reduced, but the airflow into the sound absorbing material is significantly reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemasking effectivenessVSAvoidairflow

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The masking layer employs local quality by having spatially varying optical properties. Regions aligned with perforations have higher masking capability, while regions aligned with the panel surface have lower masking capability, allowing airflow to pass through. This local differentiation enables effective hole masking without compromising overall airflow to the sound absorbing material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

3Illumination intensity

If a light reflecting foil is used to mask the perforations, then the visual masking effect is improved, but the cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevisual masking effectVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Illumination intensityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The masking layer is designed as a simple, inexpensive, and easily replaceable component. Rather than using complex light reflecting foils or permanent installations, the masking layer can be a simple fabric or sheet material that provides sufficient visual masking while being cost-effective and easily interchangeable if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The masking layer is designed to be self-installing or easily installable without requiring complex mounting systems. It can be simply attached to the panel surface, allowing users to easily mask or unmask the perforations as needed without requiring specialized tools or expertise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively masks the perforations, maintaining sound absorption and allowing easy replacement of the masking layer, without significant reduction in sound absorbing properties, and is cost-effective and easy to install.

Implementation Method 1

using a hook-and-loop fastener system

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

a removably attached air-permeable masking layer, such as felt or polyester fleece

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic Absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3899157B1Panel, system, and use for concealing sound absorbing surface and method of producing of the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.19 KNAUF GIPS KG

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AI summary

The invention relates to a panel (100) with one or more perforations (140), comprising a front surface (120), wherein the contrast Cm between the front surface (120) and the one or more perforations (140) is less than 0.3, a sound absorbing system comprising a panel (100) and a masking layer (160), wherein the masking layer (160) is air permeable, and the use of the panel or the sound absorbing system.