Acoustic panels and wall covering systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Building materials often perform poorly acoustically and are unaesthetic, necessitating improved acoustic and aesthetic solutions for room and space enhancement.
Innovation Solution
Acoustic panels with enclosed and unenclosed chambers, featuring a C-shaped cross-section and plenums, which absorb and dissipate sound waves, combined with a seamless aesthetic design replicating natural materials like marble or wood, are used to enhance acoustics and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional building materials are used, then structural functionality is provided, but acoustic performance is poor and aesthetic appearance is lacking
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is divided into multiple functional zones including front panel, side panels, end panels, and multiple chambers (first enclosed chamber, second enclosed chamber, unenclosed chamber). Each segment serves specific acoustic functions while collectively achieving high NRC performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements nested chamber structures where the first enclosed chamber and second enclosed chamber are positioned within the panel thickness, with the unenclosed chamber defined between them and the front panel. This nested arrangement maximizes acoustic volume within constrained panel dimensions
2Reliability
If acoustic panels with multiple chambers and designs are created, then acoustic performance and aesthetics are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional elements are merged into a single integrated panel structure. The front panel, side panels, end panels, and multiple chambers are combined into one cohesive acoustic panel that achieves high NRC performance without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
The panel structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the enclosed chambers provide acoustic absorption, the unenclosed chamber enables sound wave interaction, the front panel provides aesthetic design surface, and the side/end panels complete the acoustic enclosure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components
3Shape
If ink is printed on all exposed surfaces, then complete aesthetic coverage is achieved, but material usage and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Ink is applied selectively only to specific regions of the panel surfaces rather than uniformly across all exposed areas. This localized printing approach achieves the desired aesthetic design while reducing ink consumption and material costs
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 panels provide high Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) and a visually appealing, seamless appearance, improving both acoustic performance and aesthetic appeal.
Implementation Method 1
acoustic panels with enclosed and unenclosed chambers, featuring a C-shaped cross-section and plenums, which absorb and dissipate sound waves
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic panel is disclosed comprising a first enclosed chamber, a second enclosed chamber, a front panel, and an unenclosed chamber defined between the first enclosed chamber, the second enclosed chamber, and the front panel. The acoustic panel can be folded into shape from a single piece of material. The acoustic panel can comprise a base color and ink printed on less than all of the exposed surfaces of the acoustic panel comprising the base color. The acoustic panel can comprise a design on the front panel and, in addition, side panels comprising designs that are an extension of the front design.