Angle Connector with Elastomer Layer for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing angle connectors in building and mechanical engineering transmit structure-borne noise and vibrations due to direct attachment of legs to components, which is not effectively mitigated by prior solutions.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a sound-absorbing and/or vibration-isolating intermediate layer made of materials like elastomers between the legs and components, preventing direct contact and thus reducing noise transmission, with optional additional layers at fastening points to prevent sound bridges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If direct attachment of legs to components is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but structure-borne noise transmission increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidstructure-borne noise transmission
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A vibration isolation element is introduced as an intermediary component between the angle connector leg and the component to be fastened. This intermediary element decouples the direct mechanical connection, thereby reducing structure-borne noise transmission while preserving the structural strength provided by the angle connector.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-generated harmful factors

If vibration isolation elements are added to reduce noise, then sound insulation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation element is integrated with the angle connector to form a combined fastening system. This merging approach allows the vibration isolation function to be incorporated without significantly increasing overall device complexity, as the elements work together as a unified assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If intermediate layers are provided between legs and components, then vibration isolation is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevibration isolationVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The vibration isolation element is designed as a thin, flexible component that can be easily positioned and attached between the angle connector leg and the component. This thin-film approach maintains ease of manufacture while providing effective vibration isolation through its material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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

Significantly reduces the transmission of structure-borne noise and vibrations by using elastomer-based intermediate layers, ensuring effective sound insulation and vibration isolation between connected components.

Implementation Method 1

The interposition of the intermediate layer made of a sound-absorbing and/or vibration-isolating material between at least one of the legs and one of the components at least largely prevents structure-borne noise from being transmitted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

The intermediate layer favorably has a static modulus of elasticity between 0.025 N/mm 2 and 5 N/mm 2 and a dynamic modulus of elasticity between 0.025 N/mm 2 and 15 N/mm 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP2022902B1Angle connector
Publication Date: 2014.11.05 GETZNER WERKSTOFFE HOLDING GMBH
  • EP2022902B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2022902B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Angle connector with at least two legs (1, 2) arranged at an angle to each other that differs from 0° and 180° for fastening a component (3) to another component (4), wherein at least one intermediate layer (5) made of a sound-absorbing and/or vibration-insulating material is arranged on at least one of the legs (1).