Garment Sound Insulation Structure Combining Absorption and Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound insulation garments, particularly those with hoods or caps, fail to effectively reduce ambient noise due to the funnel effect and resonance issues, leading to inadequate noise attenuation, especially in urban environments where noise is a significant discomfort.

Innovation Solution

A sound insulation structure for garments comprising a combination of a sound-absorbing layer and a sound-reflecting or diffusing layer, which can be integrated into the garment as separate components or in one piece, to absorb and diffuse noise, reducing noise levels by at least 3-13 dB in specific frequency ranges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a sound insulation garment with hood or cap is used, then the garment provides basic sound insulation, but the funnel effect and resonance amplify noise instead of reducing it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidfunnel effect and resonance

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sound insulation structure is divided into multiple functional layers: a first layer for sound absorption, a second layer for sound reflection, and a third layer for sound diffusion. This segmentation allows each layer to address specific acoustic problems, with the diffusion layer specifically countering the funnel effect by scattering sound waves before they reach the ear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sound diffusion layer acts as an intermediary between the sound absorption layer and the ear, transforming focused sound waves into scattered waves. This intermediary layer prevents direct transmission of noise while maintaining the insulation effect, specifically addressing the resonance problem in hooded garments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If noise-cancelling headphones are used, then noise reduction is achieved through active noise cancellation, but the device becomes complex, expensive, bulky, and heavy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise reductionVSAvoidcomplexity and bulk

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electronic active noise cancellation system with a passive acoustic insulation structure. Instead of using microphones, speakers, and electronic signal processing, the invention uses purely acoustic materials and geometric design to reduce noise, eliminating electronic complexity while achieving similar noise reduction benefits.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The sound insulation garment uses simple, inexpensive acoustic materials (foam, fabric, resin) that can be easily manufactured and replaced, contrasting with the expensive, complex electronic components of noise-cancelling headphones. The passive acoustic structure requires no batteries or electronic systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If a single layer of sound absorbing material is used, then the structure is simple, but noise reduction effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidnoise attenuation level

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sound insulation structure combines three different types of materials with complementary acoustic properties: sound-absorbing material (foam), sound-reflecting material (fabric), and sound-diffusing material (resin with specific geometric structure). This composite approach achieves superior noise reduction compared to any single material, while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 effective noise reduction by combining sound-absorbing and sound-reflecting or diffusing materials, achieving significant noise attenuation across various frequencies, enhancing the wearer's comfort and ability to concentrate or relax in noisy environments without the bulkiness and expense of noise-cancelling headphones.

Implementation Method 1

at least a first layer comprising a sound absorbing material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

sound absorbing material... transforms sound energy into heat, for example, by a friction process

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscous damping: Viscous Damping

Implementation Method 3

at least a second layer configured to be either sound reflecting, sound diffusing, or both

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 4

at least a second layer configured to be either sound reflecting, sound diffusing, or both

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound diffusion: Scattering

Data Source

PatentUS10455876B2Sound insulation structure for a garment

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 ADIDAS AG

AI summary

A sound insulation structure for a garment is disclosed. The sound insulation structure includes a first layer comprising a sound absorbing material, and a second layer configured to be at least one of sound reflecting and sound diffusing.