Multiple-Layer Glass Laminates for Coincident-Frequency Sound Insulation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing laminated glass panels fail to adequately address sound transmission in the coincident frequency region, leading to high noise levels in enclosed spaces, despite advancements in interlayer technology.

Innovation Solution

A multiple layer glass panel design comprising at least three rigid substrates and two acoustic interlayers, where at least one rigid substrate is positioned between the two acoustic interlayers, utilizing monolithic and multilayer interlayers with specific glass transition temperatures and damping properties to enhance sound insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional laminated glass panels with single acoustic interlayers are used, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but sound insulation performance in the coincident frequency region is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmissionVSAvoidpanel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the acoustic interlayer into multiple distinct layers (first acoustic interlayer and second acoustic interlayer with different compositions), where each layer targets specific frequency ranges. This segmentation allows the panel to address sound transmission across a broader spectrum, particularly improving performance in the coincident frequency region without requiring excessive overall complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite interlayer structures combining different polymer materials (e.g., PVB, EVA, ionomers) with specific glass transition temperatures in a layered configuration. This composite approach creates synergistic acoustic damping effects that enhance sound insulation in the critical 2000-6000 Hz range while maintaining manageable structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If glass thickness is increased to improve sound insulation, then sound transmission loss increases, but weight and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmissionVSAvoidglass panel weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the interlayer materials, specifically selecting polymers with glass transition temperatures between -40°C and 0°C to maximize acoustic damping in the coincident frequency region. This parameter optimization allows achieving superior sound insulation with thinner glass sections, thereby reducing overall panel weight while maintaining acoustic performance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic interlayers serve as intermediary elements between glass layers, providing acoustic damping without requiring increased glass thickness. These interlayer mediators absorb and dissipate acoustic energy through their viscoelastic properties, enabling weight reduction compared to traditional approaches that rely solely on thicker glass

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple acoustic interlayers are added to improve sound insulation, then acoustic performance improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound transmissionVSAvoidpanel structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by assigning specific functional characteristics to different interlayer positions - the first acoustic interlayer (between outer glass layers) and second acoustic interlayer (involving the inner glass layer) have different material compositions and thicknesses optimized for their respective locations. This localized optimization improves acoustic performance while avoiding the need for uniformly complex structures throughout

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses sound transmission by transitioning from a single-dimension approach (glass thickness) to a multi-dimensional solution involving multiple interlayer dimensions - different material compositions, glass transition temperatures, and thicknesses arranged in specific sequences. This dimensional expansion allows sophisticated acoustic control without proportionally increasing overall structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

Improves sound insulation by up to 2-4 decibels in the coincident frequency region compared to conventional panels, reducing noise transmission and enhancing acoustic performance without compromising mechanical strength or optical properties.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing monolithic and multilayer interlayers with specific glass transition temperatures and damping properties to enhance sound insulation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelastic damping: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 2

at least one of the first or the second interlayer is a multilayer interlayer having at least three layers of at least a first stiff layer, a second stiff layer, and a third soft layer disposed between the first and second stiff layers

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3515704B1Sound attenuating multiple layer laminates
Publication Date: 2025.10.15 SOLUTIA INC
  • EP3515704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3515704B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3515704B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

Disclosed is an improved sound insulating multiple layer panel. The improved panel comprises: a first panel having a first thickness; a first interlayer having a first interlayer thickness and a first glass transition temperature of less than 25°C adjacent the first panel; a second panel having a second thickness adjacent the first interlayer; a second interlayer having a second interlayer thickness and a second glass transition temperature of less than 25°C adjacent the second panel; a third panel having a third thickness adjacent the second interlayer; wherein the multiple layer panel has a combined panel thickness, a combined interlayer thickness and a total thickness; wherein the second panel is disposed between the first interlayer and the second interlayer.