Flexible Foam Sound Reducing Shroud for Appliance Noise

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound reduction solutions for noisy appliances and machines lack a simple, molded, flexible, and easily installable shroud that can effectively dampen noise.

Innovation Solution

A resilient, flexible sound reducing shroud with a vertically oriented spine and mating surfaces that can be reconfigured from an open position for installation to a closed position, formed by a single unitary molded piece or two half shells that mate to form a seamless enclosure around the machine, utilizing a foam-like material for enhanced sound absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple panels and fasteners are used to form a sound enclosure, then sound absorption capability is improved, but device complexity and ease of installation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple separate sound-absorbing panels and fasteners into a single integrated molded shroud component. The shroud is formed as one piece with built-in attachment features, eliminating the need for separate panels and fasteners while maintaining sound absorption effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud incorporates discontinuous circumferential attachment features (such as clips or tabs) that are segmented around the perimeter, allowing the shroud to be flexibly attached to the appliance housing at multiple discrete points while remaining a single integrated component.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a rigid sound enclosure is used, then sound absorption capability is improved, but ease of installation and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is constructed as a flexible molded shell that can be bent and contoured to fit around various appliance shapes. The flexibility allows the shroud to be easily installed by simply positioning it around the noisy component, while the molded structure maintains its sound-absorbing properties.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The shroud incorporates varying density regions within the molded foam material, with denser regions in areas requiring enhanced sound absorption and less dense regions for flexibility and weight reduction. This parameter variation optimizes both sound reduction and ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a custom-shaped sound enclosure is used, then sound absorption capability is improved, but manufacturing complexity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The shroud is pre-formed in a molded state with the final contoured shape and built-in attachment features already integrated. This preliminary formation through molding eliminates the need for post-manufacturing assembly steps and allows the complex shape to be produced efficiently in a single manufacturing operation.

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 solution provides a straightforward and effective means to reduce noise from machines by conforming to their shape and forming a secure, sound-absorbing enclosure, enhancing noise reduction without complex assembly requirements.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a foam-like material for enhanced sound absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

The body is resiliently flexible along the spine so that the body is re-configurable between an open position and a closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10418014B2Sound reducing shroud

Publication Date: 2019.09.17

AI summary

A sound reducing shroud for use with an appliance or other machine is provided. The shroud comprises a body made from foam. The body has a sidewall having a discontinuous circumference, a first vertical end and an opposing second vertical end. The body can be resiliently flexible so that the body is re-configurable between an open position in which the first vertical end and the second vertical end are spread apart to accommodate installation of the shroud around the machine, and a closed position in which the first vertical end and the second vertical end mate to form a seam. Alternatively, the body can comprise a first half shell and a second half shell that fit together to make a shroud around the machine. The first half shell and the second half shell can be designed to snap fit together, or can be held together using fasteners or strapping.