Foldable Acoustic Panel System for Non-Uniform Sound Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spaces, such as gymnasia and recording studios, often suffer from non-uniform audio quality due to distortions caused by reflections off interior surfaces, making it difficult to achieve consistent sound across different areas without expensive and permanent modifications.

Innovation Solution

A segmented acoustic panel system that can be easily set up, taken down, and transported, featuring interchangeable acoustic elements for customizable sound absorption and reflection properties, allowing for temporary modification of acoustic characteristics in non-ideal spaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent acoustic modifications are made to venues, then acoustic quality is improved, but cost and permanence increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic treatment is divided into separate modular panels that can be independently manufactured, transported, and installed. Each panel contains specific acoustic elements (absorbers, diffusers, reflectors) that can be customized based on the venue's acoustic needs, allowing for targeted treatment without permanent structural modification.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panels are designed to be movable and reconfigurable rather than fixed permanently. They can be adjusted, relocated, or removed as needed, providing dynamic acoustic control that adapts to different uses of the same space while avoiding permanent construction costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If permanent acoustic modifications are made to venues, then acoustic quality is improved, but flexibility and portability decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic qualityVSAvoidflexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the acoustic treatment into separate panels, the system becomes adaptable to different venue configurations and uses. Each panel can be independently positioned and adjusted, allowing the same set of panels to serve multiple acoustic requirements across different spaces or time periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic panels are designed with universal mounting capabilities and interchangeable elements that allow them to function in various venues and configurations. The same panel system can be used across multiple locations or repurposed for different acoustic needs, maximizing versatility without sacrificing acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If acoustic panels are made portable and foldable, then ease of transport and storage is improved, but structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of transportVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Dividing the acoustic treatment into separate panels simplifies transport and storage compared to a single large structure. Each panel can be handled independently and folded or collapsed to compact dimensions, reducing the overall complexity of the transport system while maintaining acoustic effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If acoustic elements are made interchangeable, then customization capability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The modular panel design with interchangeable elements creates a standardized system where complexity is managed through repetition of proven components rather than custom-designed unique elements for each application. This standardization approach allows customization while controlling overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 cost-effective and flexible way to achieve uniform sound distribution by allowing for the quick deployment and customization of acoustic panels, effectively addressing the challenge of non-uniform audio quality in various spaces without the need for permanent modifications.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic panels which absorb and/or reflect chosen sound frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

acoustic panels which absorb and/or reflect chosen sound frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentUS8739925B1Portable and storable device for acoustic modification

Publication Date: 2014.06.03 PERDUE JOAB JAY

AI summary

A portable and storable device for acoustic modification with segments foldable back upon each other.