Anisotropic Composite Structure for Directional Sound Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing composite materials lack effective acoustic properties for sound attenuation and reinforcement, particularly in applications requiring directional sound propagation and stability across varying environmental conditions.

Innovation Solution

A composite structure comprising organic natural fiber material and a matrix material, where the speed of sound is engineered to differ significantly in different directions, achieved through controlled fiber orientation and composition, enabling anisotropic sound propagation and enhanced mechanical properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If composite materials are used for structural applications, then mechanical strength and stability are improved, but acoustic properties for sound attenuation and reinforcement are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidacoustic property effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a composite material system consisting of organic natural fiber material embedded in a matrix material. This composite structure enables simultaneous achievement of mechanical strength and acoustic properties by combining the structural integrity provided by the matrix with the acoustic attenuation and reinforcement capabilities of the oriented natural fibers, directly resolving the contradiction between mechanical strength and acoustic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements directional orientation of natural fiber components within the composite, creating anisotropic properties where the speed of sound differs by at least 10% in different directions. This local quality variation allows the material to provide enhanced acoustic attenuation in specific directions while maintaining structural strength, addressing the insufficiency of conventional isotropic composite materials for acoustic applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of manufacture

If conventional composite materials are used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but directional sound propagation control and environmental stability are lacking

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddirectional sound propagation control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent controls the orientation parameters of natural fiber components during manufacturing to achieve anisotropic sound propagation. By adjusting the alignment and distribution of fibers within the matrix during the molding process, the material provides directional sound attenuation and reinforcement capabilities while maintaining compatibility with conventional composite manufacturing methods, thus balancing manufacturing simplicity with functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If fiber orientation is controlled to achieve anisotropic sound propagation, then acoustic properties are improved, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic property effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates fiber orientation control during the initial molding process rather than requiring subsequent processing steps. The natural fiber components are aligned and positioned within the matrix material before final product formation, enabling anisotropic acoustic properties to be achieved as an inherent feature of the manufacturing process itself, thereby minimizing additional complexity while ensuring reliable acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 composite structure effectively attenuates or reinforces sound by controlling sound speed directionally, while maintaining stability and mechanical integrity across different environmental conditions, making it suitable for applications in loudspeakers, musical instruments, and vehicles.

Implementation Method 1

speed of sound is arranged to be different in different directions in the composition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAnisotropic sound propagation: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

the composite structure effectively attenuates or reinforces sound by controlling sound speed directionally

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound attenuation: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS9976005B2Composite structure with vibrational properties

Publication Date: 2018.05.22 UPM KYMMENE OYJ

AI summary

The application relates to a composition and manufacturing and a use of a composite structure having vibrational properties and to a product thereof. According to an embodiment a composition comprises a matrix material and organic natural fiber material, wherein speed of sound is arranged to be different in different directions in the composition.