Active Noise Control for Reverse Osmosis Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Reverse osmosis systems in dialysis machines generate significant noise, which is not adequately reduced by existing methods, necessitating further noise reduction to improve treatment comfort and reduce noise pollution in both clinical and home dialysis settings.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an active noise reduction system using sensors, controllers, and actuators that generate counter-acoustic signals or vibrations to dampen or eliminate noise at the source, incorporating both classic active noise cancelling and Active Structural-Acoustic Control techniques, with actuators such as shakers or piezoceramics attached to the housing or supporting structures of the reverse osmosis system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive noise reduction methods (encapsulation, sound-insulating foam) are used, then some noise reduction is achieved, but further noise reduction is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical noise reduction methods (encapsulation, foam lining) with an active control system using sensors, controllers, and actuators. This substitution enables dynamic noise cancellation by generating counter-acoustic signals that actively neutralize noise emissions, achieving superior noise reduction beyond what passive methods can provide.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback-based active noise control system where sensors detect noise emissions, the controller processes this information, and actuators generate counter-signals in real-time. This closed-loop feedback mechanism continuously adapts to noise conditions, providing effective noise reduction that responds dynamically to changing operational conditions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancelling technology is implemented, then noise emissions are significantly reduced, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the active noise control system into the existing reverse osmosis system architecture, where the controller can serve both process control and noise reduction functions. The sensor network and actuator placement are designed to leverage existing structural components, reducing the need for separate dedicated noise control hardware and minimizing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the housing wall as an intermediary structure for actuator placement. By mounting actuators on the housing wall rather than requiring separate enclosures or complex mounting structures, the system achieves effective noise cancellation while simplifying the overall equipment structure and reducing the number of additional components needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If actuators are placed on housing wall, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but structural integrity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies actuators at specific localized positions on the housing wall rather than requiring uniform reinforcement across the entire structure. By strategically placing actuators at key noise transmission points, the system achieves effective noise reduction while minimizing the structural reinforcement needed, maintaining local strength requirements rather than demanding overall structural strengthening.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuators generate counter-vibrations that counterbalance the mechanical stresses and vibrations produced by noise-generating components. This counteracting force reduces the net stress on the housing wall, allowing the use of standard structural designs without requiring excessive reinforcement to handle additional mechanical loads from the noise control system.
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 noise emissions from the reverse osmosis system and other dialysis machine components, enhancing the operational quietness and comfort in dialysis environments by addressing noise at its origin.
Implementation Method 1
the actuator is designed such that it generates such an acoustic signal or such a vibration that the noise generated by the reverse osmosis system is dampened or extinguished
Implementation Method 2
This includes design measures that actively reduce vibrations and noise through mechanical oscillations
Implementation Method 3
at least one sensor for detecting at least one noise emitted by the reverse osmosis system
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
The present invention relates to a reverse-osmosis system with an apparatus for reducing noise in the reverse-osmosis system, wherein the apparatus has at least one sensor for detecting at least one noise which is emitted by the reverse-osmosis system, at least one controller, which is connected to the sensor, for evaluating the signals received by the sensor, and also at least one actuator which is connected to the controller, wherein the actuator is designed in such a way that it generates an acoustic signal or a vibration by means of which the noise produced by the reverse-osmosis system is damped or eliminated.