Collapsible Acoustic Panel Assembly for Adjustable Sound Reflection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acoustic panels are cumbersome and difficult to set up, transport, and position effectively for improving acoustic quality in musical performances, as they lack flexibility and ease of use.

Innovation Solution

A collapsible acoustic panel assembly with extendable and retractable support members and panels that can be easily folded and unfolded, allowing for compact storage and quick deployment, featuring hinged panels and telescoping stands for adjustable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional acoustic panels are used, then acoustic quality can be improved, but the panels become cumbersome and difficult to set up, transport, and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidease of setup and transport
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic panel is divided into multiple detachable segments that can be easily assembled and disassembled. Each segment contains acoustic reflective surfaces that can be configured in different arrangements, allowing the panel to maintain acoustic effectiveness while being simple to transport and set up.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panel incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow users to dynamically change the panel's configuration during setup and use. The segments can be positioned at various angles and heights, and the support structures can be adjusted to different positions, making the system adaptable to different performance spaces while remaining easy to operate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If conventional acoustic panels are used, then acoustic quality can be improved, but the panels are difficult to transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidtransport difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the acoustic panel into smaller, modular units, the overall weight is distributed across multiple lighter components that can be easily carried by hand. The segmented design allows the panels to be transported in manageable sections and quickly assembled at the destination without requiring heavy lifting equipment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panel segments are designed to nest within each other or within storage containers when not in use. The support members and adjustable components can be collapsed or folded to fit within the acoustic panels themselves, creating a compact storage configuration that is easy to transport while maintaining full functionality when deployed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Reliability

If conventional acoustic panels are used, then acoustic quality can be improved, but the panels are difficult to position effectively

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidease of positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic panel incorporates adjustable support members with multiple positioning options, allowing users to easily change the height, angle, and orientation of each panel segment. The dynamic adjustment mechanisms enable quick repositioning to optimize acoustic reflection for different performance configurations and audience arrangements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panel segments are designed with universal mounting and positioning capabilities that allow them to be effectively positioned in various locations and orientations. The standardized interfaces and adjustable features enable the same panel segments to serve multiple positioning requirements across different performance spaces and configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution simplifies the setup, use, and transportation of acoustic panels by allowing for compact storage and easy deployment, enhancing acoustic quality with adjustable panel orientations and positions for improved sound wave reflection.

Implementation Method 1

one or more panels adaptable for reflecting sound waves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS9378726B2Acoustic panel assembly
Publication Date: 2016.06.28 JIM MELHART PIANO & ORGAN CO

AI summary

An acoustic panel assembly may have one or more panels adaptable for reflecting sound waves and a support member to which the one or more panels may be attached. The support member may be extendable and retractable. The one or more panels and the support member may be collapsible into a housing. The one or more panels may be configured in one or more substantially planar portions, one or more substantially curved portions, or a combination thereof.