Folding Partition Baffling for Air Release and Sound Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional folding partitions face difficulties in air release during extension and retraction, leading to resistance and operational challenges, while existing solutions either inadequately release air or compromise sound insulation.

Innovation Solution

A baffling device with an elongated enclosure and sound attenuation chamber, featuring openings and a flow path, allows air to pass while maintaining sound insulation by using insulative materials and perforated members to diffuse sound waves.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the partition is substantially sealed relative to the air space to provide sound insulation, then sound barrier performance is improved, but air release during retraction becomes difficult and operational resistance increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound insulationVSAvoidair release during retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The air space between panels is segmented into multiple zones with different sealing characteristics. The upper portion maintains sealing for sound insulation, while the lower portion includes venting openings to allow air release during retraction, resolving the contradiction between sound barrier performance and operational ease

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different regions of the partition system have different air tightness characteristics. The upper region is sealed to provide sound insulation, while the lower region has controlled venting openings that allow air to escape during retraction without compromising the overall sound barrier function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If openings are formed in the lead post to release air during operation, then air release is improved, but sound barrier and fire barrier performance are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair releaseVSAvoidsound barrier and fire barrier performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The air release function is extracted from the lead post and relocated to the lower portion of the partition panels themselves. This allows air to be released through controlled openings in the panels rather than through the lead post, maintaining the integrity of the sound and fire barrier while enabling air release during operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Control mechanisms such as latches or buttons serve as intermediaries to activate air release openings only when needed during retraction. These intermediaries allow selective air release without creating permanent openings that would compromise sound and fire barrier performance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the air space volume increases when partition is deployed, then sound insulation is improved, but air compression resistance increases during retraction

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound insulationVSAvoidair compression resistance during retraction

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The air space volume is made dynamic rather than static. During deployment, the air space expands to provide sound insulation. During retraction, controlled venting openings allow air to escape dynamically, preventing compression resistance and enabling smooth folding without requiring a fixed large volume throughout operation

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

Effectively releases air during partition operation while maintaining sound insulation properties, reducing operational resistance and enhancing the ability to store and deploy the partition efficiently.

Implementation Method 1

A baffling device with an elongated enclosure having a first and second opening and a flow path between them, including a sound attenuation chamber filled with insulative material, allows air to pass while maintaining sound insulation by diffusing sound waves

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound wave diffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS7886804B2Folding partitions, components therefor and related methods

Publication Date: 2011.02.15 WON DOOR CORP

AI summary

Folding partitions and related methods and components are provided and may include accordion-style folding doors or partitions having multiple folding panels. In one embodiment, a folding partition includes one or more baffling devices. A baffling device may include an elongated enclosure having a first opening proximate a first longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, a second opening proximate a second longitudinal end of the elongated enclosure, and a flow path extending from the first opening to the second opening. A sound attenuation chamber may be disposed adjacent at least a portion of the flow path. In one embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, a jamb component of the partition. In another embodiment, one or more baffling devices may be disposed in, or otherwise associated with, the hinged connection of panel sections of a partition panel.