Elongated Acoustic Scatterer Channels for Low-Frequency Noise Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound isolation systems struggle to effectively absorb low-frequency noise due to limitations in materials and designs, such as high reflection materials causing noise pollution and conventional porous materials being inefficient for low-frequency noise reduction.

Innovation Solution

The use of elongated acoustic scatterers with a housing defining channels subdivided by spacers, where the spacers are positioned to create a uniform sound pressure distribution along the length of the scatterer, optimizing absorption of target sounds by aligning channel dimensions with sound wavelengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If high reflection material is used to reflect noises away, then noise isolation performance is improved, but noise pollution increases and system performance is limited by mass law

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise isolation performanceVSAvoidnoise pollution

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent converts the harmful reflected noise into beneficial absorbed energy by using acoustic scatterers that transform sound waves into structural vibrations, which are then dissipated as heat through viscoelastic materials, thereby eliminating noise pollution while maintaining isolation performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and parameters of the acoustic scatterer components, specifically using viscoelastic materials whose loss factor varies with temperature and frequency, allowing optimization of energy dissipation across different operating conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

This approach enhances the performance of sound isolation systems by reducing the complexity of sound modes within the acoustic scatterers, leading to improved absorption of low-frequency noise and increased passenger comfort.

Implementation Method 1

an acoustic scatterer for absorbing a target sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

The channels of the acoustic scatterer may be filled with a viscoelastic material or the housing may be made of a viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Data Source

PatentUS12211475B2Elongated sound isolation devices and systems

Publication Date: 2025.01.28 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

Systems and devices are disclosed herein for absorbing unwanted target sounds. In one example, an acoustic scatterer for absorbing a target sound includes a housing defining a plurality of channels having an open end and a terminal end. The terminal ends of the plurality of channels are separate from each other and extend along a length of the housing. The acoustic scatterer also includes one or more spacers subdividing the plurality of channels along the length of the housing. In another example, a system for absorbing a target sound includes a plurality of acoustic scatterers, each having a housing that defines a plurality of channels having an open end and a terminal end. The terminal ends of the plurality of channels are separate from each other and extend along a length of the housing. The plurality of acoustic scatterers are stacked on top of each other in a lengthwise direction.