Cellular Acoustic Absorption Structure With Partitioning Resonators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing acoustic absorption structures in aircraft propulsion systems face challenges with increased mass and complex manufacturing due to numerous connections between cellular structures, complicating their design and making it difficult to achieve wide-frequency sound wave attenuation.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating partitioning enclosures within the cells of the cellular structure, each divided by tubular walls and transverse walls, creating multiple zones that function as resonators to attenuate acoustic waves across a broad frequency spectrum, while maintaining structural flexibility and simplifying manufacturing through processes like blowing-extrusion-molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple cellular structures are positioned between the acoustically resistive layer and the reflective layer to attenuate sound waves over wider frequency ranges, then the acoustic attenuation performance is improved, but the mass of the acoustic absorption structure increases and the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic attenuation performanceVSAvoidmass of acoustic absorption structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic absorption structure is divided into multiple cellular structures (first cellular structure and second cellular structure) positioned between the acoustically resistive layer and the reflective layer. Each cellular structure contains multiple cells that can be independently configured to target different frequency ranges, enabling wide-frequency sound wave attenuation without requiring a single overly complex structure that would increase mass

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first and second cellular structures are positioned in series between the acoustically resistive layer and the reflective layer, with the first cellular structure adjacent to the resistive layer and the second cellular structure adjacent to the reflective layer. This nested arrangement allows each cellular structure to contribute to acoustic attenuation at different stages, achieving broad frequency coverage while maintaining manageable mass for each individual structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic attenuation performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic absorption structure is segmented into multiple cellular structures that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each cellular structure with its specific pattern of cells can be produced using standardized manufacturing processes, reducing the overall manufacturing complexity compared to producing a single complex multi-functional structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cellular structures are designed with universal applicability, where the same basic cellular pattern can be used across different structures. The first cellular structure and second cellular structure both utilize similar cell configurations that can be manufactured using the same processes, simplifying production while allowing different arrangements to target different frequency ranges

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If cells of the first and second cellular structures are perfectly aligned to communicate with each other, then the acoustic attenuation at specific frequencies is optimized, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic attenuation at specific frequenciesVSAvoidalignment precision of cells

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The cellular structures are designed with local variations in cell configuration and spacing to optimize acoustic attenuation at different frequency ranges. The first cellular structure may have cells optimized for lower frequencies while the second cellular structure has cells optimized for higher frequencies, allowing each local region to be manufactured with appropriate precision for its specific function rather than requiring perfect alignment across the entire structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The cellular structures are designed with flexible cell configurations that can accommodate manufacturing tolerances. The cells are arranged in patterns that maintain acoustic effectiveness even with minor variations in alignment, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while still achieving optimized acoustic attenuation at target frequencies

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 partitioning enclosures enable efficient acoustic attenuation over a wide frequency range with reduced mass and simplified manufacturing, enhancing the acoustic absorption performance of aircraft components.

Implementation Method 1

a cellular structure (52) situated between an acoustically resistive layer (54) and a reflective layer (56)... each cell being delimited by at least one partition

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic wave propagation: Sound

Implementation Method 2

This acoustic absorption structure enables two types of resonators to be obtained, a Helmholtz type first resonator... and a quarter-wave type second resonator... adapted to attenuate sound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

an acoustically resistive layer (54) in contact with a medium in which acoustic waves propagate

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS20260035062A1Cellular acoustic absorption structure including at least one partitioning enclosure positioned in a cell of the cellular structure

Publication Date: 2026.02.05 AIRBUS OPERATIONS (SAS)

AI summary

An acoustic absorption structure including at least one cellular structure between an acoustically resistive layer and a reflective layer. The cellular structure includes a first face in contact with the acoustically resistive layer, a second face in contact with the reflective layer, and a multitude of cells each discharging at the level of the first and second faces, each cell being delimited by at least one partition, wherein the cellular structure comprises at least one partitioning enclosure positioned in one of the cells of the cellular structure and connected to at least one partition delimiting the cell. The partitioning enclosure separates an interior zone inside the partitioning enclosure and an exterior zone situated in the cell and outside the partitioning enclosure. The partitioning enclosure includes at least one through-orifice configured so that the interior and exterior zones communicate.