Aircraft Cabin Noise Cancellation Layout to Prevent Audio Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise cancellation technologies in vehicles, particularly aircraft, face challenges in effectively reducing mechanical noise due to limited space, high implementation costs, and technical difficulties in avoiding audio feedback when using active noise cancellation systems.
Innovation Solution
An electronic noise cancellation system is installed within enclosures like aircraft cabins, utilizing strategically placed audio input and output devices, sensors, and processing units to generate phase-inverted noise cancellation signals, avoiding feedback by separating input and output devices and using tuning parameters to enhance precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If passive noise cancellation materials are used in aircraft cabins, then noise blocking is improved, but available space is reduced and implementation cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces passive mechanical noise-blocking materials with an active electronic noise cancellation system that uses microphones, processors, and speakers to generate anti-phase sound waves. This substitution eliminates the need for thick acoustic insulation materials, preserving cabin space while achieving effective noise reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts noise cancellation parameters (frequency, amplitude, phase) based on real-time noise detection to optimize performance without requiring fixed physical barriers. This allows effective noise control with minimal impact on available space.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sufficient passive noise-blocking materials are incorporated into aircraft, then noise cancellation effectiveness is improved, but implementation cost and retrofitting complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces extensive passive acoustic materials with a compact electronic system consisting of microphones, digital signal processors, and speakers. This electronic approach achieves superior noise cancellation effectiveness while being much easier to install in existing aircraft cabins without major structural modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The noise cancellation system can be integrated with existing aircraft audio systems and overhead compartments, serving multiple functions (noise cancellation, audio playback, announcements) through a single installation, thereby reducing overall retrofitting complexity and cost.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If active noise cancellation speakers and microphones are both placed within the aircraft cabin, then noise cancellation is achieved, but audio feedback occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electronic intermediary (digital signal processor) between the microphone input and speaker output that detects the noise signal, processes it to generate anti-phase waves, and carefully controls the timing and distribution of cancellation signals. This intermediary processing prevents direct acoustic feedback loops while maintaining effective noise cancellation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary digital signal processing to predict and pre-compensate for potential feedback paths before the feedback occurs. By analyzing noise characteristics in advance and adjusting cancellation signals proactively, the system prevents feedback instability while achieving reliable noise cancellation.
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 effectively cancels unwanted noise from mechanical sources, improving communication and passenger comfort by reducing ambient noise levels without audio feedback, and can be retrofitted into existing systems with minimal disruption.
Implementation Method 1
generate a corresponding output sound to cancel out the incoming noise
Implementation Method 2
Active noise cancellation uses electronic technologies to cancel noise
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to improved techniques for electronic noise cancellation in aircraft and other enclosures. In certain embodiments, an electronic noise cancellation device can be installed in an aircraft. In certain embodiments, the electronic noise cancellation device can include a housing that integrates: one or more audio input devices that are configured to receive an input audio signal; one or more audio output devices configured to output a noise cancellation signal; one or more lighting components; and at least one connector that enables the electronic noise cancellation device to be coupled to an overhead service component of the aircraft. In certain embodiments, the electronic noise cancellation device is adapted to be received in a lighting socket of the overhead service component included within an aircraft enclosure. Other embodiments are disclosed.