Acoustic Structural Element With 3D Surface Geometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic elements for improving room acoustics are inflexible and require complex construction measures, limiting their adaptability to specific acoustic requirements and design needs.

Innovation Solution

A structural element with a three-dimensional structure featuring elevations and depressions that steers, aligns, and absorbs acoustic waves by reflecting, scattering, or attenuating them in a defined manner, utilizing a combination of materials and folding techniques to create a flexible and aesthetically appealing solution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If traditional sound-absorbing elements and sound-reflecting wall elements are used, then acoustic effects can be achieved, but construction complexity increases and adaptability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to acoustic requirementsVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dynamics by making the acoustic element's surface geometry changeable. The element can transform between different three-dimensional configurations (convex, concave, or flat surfaces) to adapt to different acoustic requirements. This dynamic transformation capability allows the same physical element to serve multiple acoustic functions without requiring complex construction measures for each specific application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent utilizes parameter changes by modifying the geometric parameters of the acoustic element's surface. By changing the curvature radius, surface orientation, and spatial configuration of the protrusions and depressions, the element can control the reflection, scattering, and absorption characteristics of acoustic waves. This allows adaptation to different acoustic requirements through parameter adjustment rather than through complex construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If traditional acoustic elements are installed, then acoustic functions are provided, but flexibility and ease of application are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of applicationVSAvoidflexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The dynamic transformation capability of the acoustic element enables easy adaptation to different applications. The element can be transformed into different configurations depending on the desired acoustic effect, providing both flexibility in application and ease of operation since the same element can serve multiple purposes through transformation rather than requiring multiple specialized elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic element is designed with multi-functionality, capable of providing reflection, scattering, and absorption functions through its transformable geometry. A single element design can perform multiple acoustic functions by changing its three-dimensional configuration, eliminating the need for separate specialized elements and simplifying application while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If complex construction measures are taken, then acoustic requirements can be met, but material usage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic effect precisionVSAvoidmaterial usage
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies dimensionality change by transforming a flat two-dimensional panel into a three-dimensional structure with protrusions and depressions. This spatial transformation allows the element to achieve precise acoustic effects through its geometric configuration rather than through material quantity or complex construction layers, reducing material usage while maintaining manufacturing precision for acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 allows for precise control over acoustic effects, achieving desired acoustic outcomes while being easy to use and apply, with the ability to adapt to various acoustic requirements and providing significant material savings through the use of lightweight materials.

Implementation Method 1

the acoustic waves striking one or more elevations and/or one or more depressions can be directed and/or aligned in one or more directions, depending on the design of the three-dimensional structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 2

the acoustic waves striking one or more elevations and/or one or more depressions can be directed and/or aligned in one or more directions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic scattering: Scattering

Implementation Method 3

absorbed at the one or more protrusions and/or depressions in a defined manner

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3643848A1Structural element for reflection and/or light scatter and/or absorption of acoustic waves, system comprising a structural element or a plurality of structural elements, corresponding method for manufacturing a structural element and their use
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 HAMBERGER INDUSTRIEWERKE GMBH
  • EP3643848A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3643848A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3643848A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a structural element (100) for reflecting and/or scattering and/or absorbing acoustic waves, comprising one or more protrusions (131) and/or one or more depressions (132) arranged as a three-dimensional structure (130) such that the acoustic waves can be directed and/or oriented in one or more directions or absorbed at the one or more protrusions (131) and/or at the one or more depressions (132). The invention further relates to a system comprising one or more structural elements, a corresponding method for manufacturing a structural element, and the use of the structural element and the system.