Acoustic Panel Perforation Matrix Layout for Uniform Spacing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for perforating acoustic panels, particularly wood substrates, lack the ability to customize perforation matrices based on substrate size and material, leading to inefficiencies and potential visual defects.

Innovation Solution

A method for determining a perforation matrix by selecting trial values for matrix increments, calculating row and column spacing, and adjusting until within a predetermined tolerance, ensuring evenly spaced perforations without overlap, optimized for wood substrates.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual or pre-programmed automated perforation methods are used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ability to customize perforation matrices based on substrate size and material is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization of perforation matrixVSAvoidperforation process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the perforation matrix parameters (number of rows, columns, spacing) based on the measured substrate dimensions and material properties. The controller modifies the perforation pattern in real-time according to the specific substrate being processed, enabling customization without requiring different pre-programmed setups for each substrate type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes key parameters of the perforation process including row spacing, column spacing, number of rows, and number of columns based on substrate characteristics. By varying these parameters dynamically, the system adapts to different substrate sizes and materials, achieving customization while maintaining a single flexible processing system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If fixed perforation patterns are used, then the manufacturing process is efficient, but visual defects and structural integrity issues occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveperforation spacing accuracyVSAvoidmanufacturing efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system measures the actual substrate dimensions and properties first, then uses this feedback information to calculate and adjust the optimal perforation matrix parameters. This closed-loop approach ensures that each substrate receives a customized perforation pattern that achieves target spacing accuracy while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through automated calculation and execution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary measurement and calculation of the optimal perforation matrix before the actual perforation process. By determining the appropriate number of rows, columns, and spacing in advance based on substrate characteristics, the system ensures manufacturing precision is achieved without sacrificing productivity, as the optimization is completed before production begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If perforation density is increased to improve acoustic properties, then acoustic performance improves, but structural integrity and visual appearance deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic performanceVSAvoidsubstrate structural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The system optimizes the perforation parameters including density, spacing, and distribution pattern based on substrate material properties and thickness. By carefully adjusting these parameters, the system achieves the desired acoustic performance while maintaining adequate structural integrity and minimizing visual defects through optimized hole distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4715658A1Method for manufacturing acoustic panels
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 ARMSTRONG WORLD IND INC
  • EP4715658A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4715658A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4715658A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method for determining a perforation matrix includes selecting a trial value for a number of matrix increments across a length and a width of a first major surface of a substrate, selecting a trial value for a number of rows and columns in the matrix, calculating a row spacing value and a column spacing value, comparing the calculated row spacing and column spacing to the target row spacing value and the target column spacing value in the matrix to determine if the values are within a predetermined tolerance of the target row spacing value and target column spacing value, if the values are not within the predetermined tolerance of the target spacing values, repeating, and, upon calculating values within the predetermined tolerance, selecting the lower of the row spacing value and the column spacing value as the final matrix spacing value of the perforation matrix.