Aircraft Cabin Panel Tuned Mass Dampers for Adaptive Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise control systems in aircraft cabins face challenges with large, heavy actuators and sensors, limited adjustability to changing noise environments, and high energy consumption, particularly in active systems, while passive systems are inflexible and require fixed frequency responses.
Innovation Solution
A semi-active noise control system utilizing miniaturized sensors and tuned mass dampers with adjustable eigenfrequencies, connected via conductive tracks, that adapt to noise profiles by adjusting mechanical characteristics without active noise generation, allowing flexible damping with low energy consumption.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise control systems are used, then noise cancellation capability is improved, but energy consumption and weight increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the eigenfrequencies of passive tuned mass dampers based on real-time noise measurements, combining passive damping with active control signals to achieve adaptive noise cancellation without continuous high energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediaries that detect noise frequencies and feed this information to control signals that adjust the passive dampers, creating a semi-active system that bridges passive and active approaches
2Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise control systems are used, then noise cancellation capability is improved, but weight and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the noise control function into distributed sensors and adjustable passive dampers throughout the aircraft structure, replacing heavy centralized active actuators with numerous lightweight elements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces heavy mechanical active actuators (loudspeakers) with lighter passive tuned mass dampers that are mechanically integrated into the aircraft structure, reducing overall system weight
3Use of energy by moving object
If purely passive noise cancellation systems are used, then weight and energy consumption are reduced, but adaptability to changing noise environments deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system makes passive dampers dynamic by enabling adjustment of their eigenfrequencies through control signals, allowing them to adapt to changing noise conditions while maintaining low energy consumption
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of passive dampers (eigenfrequencies) based on measured noise characteristics, enabling the system to adapt to different noise environments without switching to high-energy active modes
4Use of energy by moving object
If purely passive noise cancellation systems are used, then energy consumption is reduced, but frequency response flexibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system transforms fixed-frequency passive dampers into dynamically adjustable dampers that can change their resonant frequencies to match target noise frequencies, providing flexible frequency response with minimal energy input
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 system provides lightweight, easily maintainable, and energy-efficient noise reduction across varying noise environments by using numerous small sensors and dampers, reducing the need for heavy harnesses and enabling easy adjustment to different cabin regions.
Implementation Method 1
If the eigenfrequency of the tuned mass damper matches the frequency of the noise component to be attenuated, the vibration of the tuned mass damper is in resonance
Implementation Method 2
Purely passive noise cancellation systems are also known in the art and often called DVA (Dynamic Vibration Absorber), TMA (Tuned Mass Absorber) or mass-spring system
Implementation Method 3
Each of the plurality of sensors is configured to sense vibrations and/or acoustic sounds and to send measurement signals to the driver arrangement
Implementation Method 4
The driver arrangement is configured to analyze the measurement signals and to generate and send control signals to the tuned mass dampers such that the eigenfrequency of the tuned mass dampers is matched with the frequency of the vibrations and/or acoustic sounds sensed by the sensors
Implementation Method 5
The tuned mass damper thereby abates vibrational movements of the structure it is attached to. Hereby, the moving mass of the tuned mass damper is 90° out of phase compared to the structure, which leads to a significant reduction of the structural movements
Data Source
AI summary
A semi-active noise control system includes a layer configured to be part of an interior panel of an aircraft The layer includes conductive tracks, a driver arrangement, tuned mass dampers, and sensors. Each tuned mass damper has an eigenfrequency that depends on a control signal applied to the tuned mass damper and is connected to the driver arrangement via a conductive track and configured to receive control signals from the driver arrangement. Each sensor is connected to the driver arrangement via a conductive track and is configured to sense vibrations and/or acoustic sounds and send measurement signals to the driver arrangement. The driver arrangement is configured to analyze the measurement signals and to generate and send control signals to the tuned mass dampers such that the eigenfrequency of the tuned mass dampers is matched with the frequency of the vibrations and/or acoustic sounds sensed by the sensors.