Aircraft Noise Design Optimization Using Subjective Audio Evaluation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating psychoacoustic properties of aircraft and drones are limited to physical or psychoacoustic parameters, requiring costly and time-consuming laboratory studies with small sample sizes, making systematic testing of design variations impossible, and producing expensive prototypes with suboptimal solutions.
Innovation Solution
A method involving input of parameter values from test subjects, playback of audio signals reproducing machine sounds, evaluation of auditory impressions, and determining relationships between these parameters and subjective evaluations to optimize design and operation, allowing for large-scale listening tests and integration of psychoacoustic properties into aircraft development.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If physical or psychoacoustic parameters are used for evaluation, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to required laboratory studies and prototypes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses audio recordings and simulations as copies of actual aircraft noise instead of requiring physical prototypes. Test subjects evaluate these audio copies, which reproduce the psychoacoustic properties of different design configurations, eliminating the need for expensive physical prototypes while maintaining evaluation precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical evaluation system (laboratory studies with physical prototypes) with a digital audio evaluation system. Audio files containing simulated aircraft noise are played back to test subjects, substituting physical measurement equipment and prototype construction with digital signal processing and audio playback technology
2Measurement precision
If laboratory studies with small sample sizes are conducted, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming individual studies
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the evaluation process into independent, parallelizable components: multiple test subjects independently evaluate different audio recordings of aircraft noise from various design configurations. This segmentation allows simultaneous data collection from many participants, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining statistical reliability through aggregation of individual assessments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary audio simulation and recording of aircraft noise for various design configurations before conducting the actual psychoacoustic evaluation. This preliminary action prepares all test materials in advance, allowing the formal evaluation phase to proceed efficiently without delays for prototype construction or on-site measurements
3Measurement precision
If prototypes are produced for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of substance increases due to expensive production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates digital audio copies of aircraft noise from different design configurations through simulation, eliminating the need to physically manufacture prototypes. These audio copies capture the essential psychoacoustic characteristics needed for design validation, avoiding the substantial material and production costs associated with building physical prototypes
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses inexpensive digital audio files as disposable test artifacts. Each audio recording can be generated, evaluated, and discarded without material cost, allowing numerous design iterations to be tested economically. The digital nature of these test objects makes them effectively disposable compared to expensive physical prototypes
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for the design, optimization of the technical design and/or operation of a machine, aircraft or vehicle comprising: - Input (S1) of parameter values of the machine, aircraft or vehicle by at least one test subject on an end device, wherein the parameter values are design parameter values, technical design parameter values and/or operating parameter values of the machine, aircraft or vehicle; - Playback of audio signals (S2) on the end device, which reproduce the sound of the machine, aircraft or vehicle based on the input parameter values; - Evaluation of an auditory impression (S3) of the audio signals by the test subject and obtaining a subjective evaluation result from the test subject; - Input (S4) of the subjective evaluation result by the test subject on the end device; - Determination (S5) of a relationship between the parameter values, or sets of parameter values, and the subjective evaluation result.- Design (S6), optimization of the technical design and/or operation of the machine, aircraft or vehicle, taking into account the relationship of the parameter values, or sets of parameter values, with the subjective evaluation result, wherein, in the design, optimization of the technical design and/or operation, parameter values are used which, in the operation of the machine, aircraft or vehicle, lead to noises of the machine, aircraft or vehicle that correlate with a subjective evaluation result corresponding to a predetermined evaluation result, preferably a positive evaluation result.