Reconfigurable Helmholtz Resonator Module for Tunable Noise Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Helmholtz resonators face challenges in effectively absorbing a variety of sound frequencies, leading to reradiation and diffusion of unabsorbed energy, and lack adjustability or reconfigurability to match specific acoustic noise environments.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic control module comprising a Helmholtz resonator portion arrangement with partially open resonator portions that can be selectively closed to form resonators, allowing for customizable configurations to target specific frequencies, and a control mechanism to adjust operation characteristics such as resonance frequency and energy dissipation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional Helmholtz resonators are used with fixed configurations, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different acoustic noise frequencies is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different acoustic noise frequenciesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic control module is divided into multiple Helmholtz resonator portions (first, second, third portions) with different cavity volumes and neck dimensions. Each portion can be independently configured or activated, allowing the system to adapt to different frequency ranges by selecting appropriate portions while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator portions are designed with variable configurations - cavities that can be partially or fully enclosed, and necks with adjustable aperture sizes. This dynamic configurability allows the same physical structure to adapt its acoustic characteristics to match different noise environments without requiring complete redesign

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If Helmholtz resonators are designed for specific frequencies, then absorption effectiveness at target frequency is maximized, but versatility across multiple frequencies is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefrequency targeting capabilityVSAvoidabsorption effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple specialized resonator portions are integrated into a single module, each optimized for specific frequency ranges. The first portion with larger cavity volume targets lower frequencies, while portions with smaller volumes target higher frequencies. This segmentation allows the module to maintain high absorption effectiveness across multiple frequency bands simultaneously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic control module is designed as a multi-functional unit that can absorb acoustic noise across a broad frequency spectrum. By integrating multiple resonator portions with different characteristics, the module achieves universal applicability for various noise environments without sacrificing performance at any single frequency range

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If resonator cavities are fully enclosed, then resonance frequency stability is improved, but adjustability for different environments is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidresonance frequency stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator cavities incorporate adjustable elements such as movable partitions or variable aperture mechanisms that allow the enclosure status to be dynamically changed. This enables the system to adapt to different acoustic environments by adjusting cavity volume or neck opening size while maintaining stable resonance characteristics within each configured state

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the resonators (cavity volume, neck aperture area, neck length) are designed to be可调 (adjustable). By changing these parameters, the resonance frequency can be tuned to match different noise environments, providing environmental adaptability while maintaining stable operation at each tuned configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables effective absorption of target acoustic frequencies by forming customizable Helmholtz resonators, reducing sound diffusion and enhancing adjustability to suit different noise environments.

Implementation Method 1

A volume of air within a Helmholtz resonator may be vibrated to produce a tone at its natural frequency of resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelmholtz resonance: Helmholtz Resonance

Implementation Method 2

Absorption of acoustic noise is maximal at the frequency of resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4675610A1Acoustic control module
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4675610A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675610A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675610A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an acoustic control system comprising: an acoustic control module comprising a Helmholtz resonator portion arrangement comprising one or more Helmholtz resonator portions, each Helmholtz resonator portion comprising a cavity portion and a neck portion, each Helmholtz resonator portion being at least partially open; a closing member arrangement, wherein the module and the closing member arrangement are locatable relative to one another thereby to close one or more of the one or more Helmholtz resonator portions to form one or more Helmholtz resonators; and a control mechanism arrangement provided in communication with the Helmholtz resonator portion arrangement of the acoustic control module for controlling an operation characteristic of the one or more Helmholtz resonators.