Compressor Jacket Attenuates Noise via Layered Acoustic Absorption

A three-layer acoustic jacket is introduced as an intermediary component between the compressor and the surrounding environment. The jacket includes an inner layer with acoustic absorption material, a middle layer with vibration damping material, and an outer layer for structural support. This mediator absorbs and dampens the noise and vibrations generated by the compressor without interfering with its heat transfer function.

The patent converts the harmful noise and vibrations generated by the compressor into a design opportunity by implementing acoustic absorption and vibration damping layers. The vibration damping material in the middle layer transforms vibrational energy into heat through internal friction, while the acoustic absorption material in the inner layer converts sound energy into thermal energy, effectively converting harmful acoustic and mechanical energy into harmless thermal energy.

The acoustic jacket is segmented into three distinct layers, each with a specific function: the inner layer for acoustic absorption, the middle layer for vibration damping, and the outer layer for structural support. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific purpose while maintaining overall simplicity. The modular structure makes the complex noise reduction function manageable and manufacturable.

The patent employs composite material construction by combining different types of materials in a layered structure. The inner layer uses acoustic absorption material (such as foam or fiber materials), the middle layer uses vibration damping material (such as rubber or viscoelastic compounds), and the outer layer uses structurally sound material (such as metal or rigid plastic). This composite approach achieves superior noise attenuation while keeping each individual layer relatively simple.