Golden Ratio Surface Angles for Acoustic Diffusion

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional acoustic obstruction prevention methods fail to effectively prevent flutter echo and multiple echo in spaces like concert halls and music studios, as they rely on fixed angles and regular surface configurations that can lead to acoustic concentration and obstruction.

Innovation Solution

The design employs elemental surfaces forming wall, ceiling, and floor surfaces with angles defined by the golden ratio (nα), and acoustic diffusers with units arranged such that their angles and distances follow the golden ratio principle, preventing parallelism and regularity to diffuse sound effectively.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If conventional fixed angle and regular surface configurations are used, then manufacturing and design are simplified, but acoustic obstruction such as flutter echo and multiple echo cannot be effectively prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic obstructionVSAvoidsurface structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry by defining surface angles using the golden ratio (nα where α ≈ 11.25°) instead of conventional symmetric or fixed angles. This creates irregular, non-parallel surface configurations that prevent sound waves from following predictable reflection paths, thereby eliminating flutter echo and multiple echo while maintaining designable complexity through mathematical formulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the angular parameter from conventional fixed values to golden ratio-based values (nα). This parameter transformation fundamentally alters the acoustic behavior of surfaces, preventing regular echo patterns while the mathematical nature of the golden ratio keeps design and manufacturing systematically manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If elemental surfaces are arranged with angles of nα (golden ratio), then sound diffusion is enhanced and acoustic obstruction is prevented, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic diffusion effectivenessVSAvoidangular configuration precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the acoustic space into multiple elemental surfaces, each configured at specific golden ratio angles (nα). This segmentation allows the complex acoustic diffusion task to be divided into manageable surface elements, where each element's angle can be independently calculated and manufactured, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high acoustic reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary calculation and configuration of surface angles using the golden ratio formula before manufacturing. By pre-determining the exact angular positions (nα) for all elemental surfaces, the design phase incorporates the precision requirements, allowing manufacturing to follow predetermined specifications rather than requiring complex real-time adjustments.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-generated harmful factors

If acoustic diffusers with golden ratio arrangement are deployed, then flutter echo and acoustic concentration are reduced, but device complexity and design complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic concentrationVSAvoiddiffuser structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetry in diffuser design by arranging acoustic elements according to golden ratio angles rather than symmetric or uniform patterns. This asymmetric arrangement prevents sound concentration by ensuring no two surfaces are parallel, thereby dispersing acoustic energy evenly while the mathematical regularity of the golden ratio maintains design coherence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces angular dimensionality based on the golden ratio, transforming conventional planar or uniformly spaced diffuser arrangements into three-dimensionally distributed configurations. By arranging surfaces at angles of nα in multiple dimensions, the patent creates comprehensive sound diffusion that prevents acoustic concentration while maintaining systematic design through the golden ratio framework.

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

This approach effectively prevents acoustic obstructions by ensuring that elemental surfaces and diffusers do not align parallel, thereby dispersing sound waves and reducing echo, enhancing sound diffusion and reducing acoustic concentration.

Implementation Method 1

acoustic obstruction is prevented by reflection between the elemental surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Data Source

PatentEP3951112B1Acoustic obstruction prevention equipment and fabrication method thereof
Publication Date: 2024.01.03 NIPPON SHEET GLASS ENVIRONMENT AMENITY CO LTD
  • EP3951112B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3951112B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3951112B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

Provided are acoustic obstruction prevention equipment for preventing acoustic obstruction by appropriately designing a surface structure of elemental surfaces that surround a space or a surface structure of an acoustic diffuser, and a design method thereof. A plurality of elemental surfaces that form wall surfaces, a ceiling surface, or a floor surface which surround a space are provided. An angle mutually formed by the elemental surfaces is nα (n is a natural number), and acoustic obstruction is prevented by reflection between the elemental surfaces. ϕ=(1+sqrt(5))/2, α=360°∗1/(1+ϕ). This technique may be used for a plurality of other elemental surfaces that form an acoustic diffuser disposed in a space. Furthermore, the acoustic diffuser may also be formed by rotating and disposing a plurality of units at the above-described angle multiple times.