Active Noise Cancellation in Fenestration Using Multiband Frequency Targeting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fenestration units, such as windows and doors, poorly insulate against external noise due to their distinct construction from surrounding walls, leading to increased noise transmission into buildings, which existing sound reduction methods like mismatched glass and laminated glass do not adequately address.
Innovation Solution
An active noise cancellation system is integrated into fenestration units, comprising a sensing element to detect vibrations or sound, a vibration generator, and a control module that evaluates and counteracts sound waves at specific frequency bands to induce destructive interference, thereby reducing noise transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional passive sound reduction methods (mismatched glass, laminated glass) are used in fenestration units, then some noise attenuation is achieved, but the insulation performance remains insufficient compared to solid walls and cannot adequately address broad frequency noise transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical sound barriers (thick glass, laminated glass) with an active electronic control system that uses sensors, processors, and actuators to dynamically generate anti-phase sound waves, substituting mechanical insulation with an active acoustic field control mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a composite sound control system combining traditional passive insulation materials (glass panes, sealants) with active electronic components (microphones, speakers, control circuitry) to achieve superior noise attenuation that neither approach could accomplish alone
2Ease of operation
If fenestration units use transparent portions and are designed to be opened for functionality, then ease of operation and light transmission are improved, but sound insulation performance deteriorates compared to solid wall constructions
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies preliminary anti-action by detecting incoming sound waves before they fully transmit through the window and generating counter-phase waves in advance to neutralize the harmful sound transmission, preventing noise entry rather than reacting to it
3Measurement precision
If active noise cancellation systems target specific frequency bands separately, then noise attenuation precision is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the broad sound frequency spectrum into multiple discrete frequency bands and processing each band independently through separate control channels, allowing precise targeting of specific noise frequencies while managing system complexity through modular architecture
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 effectively reduces external noise levels by at least 3 to 25 decibels inside a building, providing a more peaceful environment by targeting specific sound frequencies for cancellation.
Implementation Method 1
The sound cancellation control module can cause the vibration generator to vibrate the transparent pane causing destructive interference with sound waves at the two or more discrete frequency bands
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments include systems with active sound canceling properties, fenestration units with active sound canceling properties, retrofit units with active sound canceling properties and related methods. In an embodiment a system can include a sound cancellation device include a sensing element to detect vibration of a transparent pane and/or a sound input device configured to detect sound incident on the transparent pane, as well as a vibration generator configured to vibrate the transparent pane and a sound cancellation control module. The sound cancellation control module can evaluate the detected vibration of the transparent pane at two or more discrete frequency bands. The sound cancellation control module can cause the vibration generator to vibrate the transparent pane causing destructive interference with sound waves at the two or more discrete frequency bands. Other embodiments are also included herein.