Multi-Layer Impact Damping Mat for High-Force Noise Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noise mitigating mats are unsuitable for high-impact activities as they break down under significant forces or insufficiently reduce rebound and vibrations, posing risks of injury and damage to structures and equipment.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layered impact damping mat and flooring system with specific layer configurations, including a base layer, damping layer, load distribution layer, and upper layer made of rubber and polyether urethane materials, designed to provide a coefficient of restitution no greater than 30% and significant sound reduction characteristics, with interlocking features for stability and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise mitigating mats are used, then noise reduction is provided, but they break down under significant forces from high-impact activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-layer composite structure combining rubber materials with different densities and viscoelastic properties. The base layer uses high-density rubber for structural stability, while the upper layer uses lower-density rubber for impact absorption. This composite material approach allows the mat to withstand significant impact forces while maintaining noise reduction capabilities, resolving the contradiction between durability and noise mitigation.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional noise mitigating mats are used, then noise reduction is provided, but they insufficiently reduce rebound from high-impact activities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent carefully controls the coefficient of restitution parameter of the mat material to be no greater than 30%, which is significantly lower than conventional mats. This parameter change in the material properties enables superior rebound reduction while maintaining effective noise reduction across different frequency ranges, addressing the contradiction between noise mitigation and rebound control.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If multi-layered impact damping mat with specific configurations is used, then rebound and noise are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the mat into distinct functional layers: a base layer for structural support and noise isolation, an intermediate layer for impact absorption, and an upper layer for surface protection and additional damping. This segmentation allows each layer to be optimized for its specific function while working together to achieve superior rebound and noise reduction, managing the complexity through clear functional differentiation.
Solution Approach 2:
The multi-layer composite structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: impact absorption, noise reduction across frequency ranges, rebound control, and durability enhancement. By designing the system to perform multiple functions through its layered structure, the patent achieves superior performance without requiring separate systems for each function, thereby managing complexity effectively.
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 system effectively reduces rebound and noise generated by high-impact activities, providing a durable and adaptable solution for fitness and sports facilities by minimizing injury and damage risks while maintaining a stable and quiet environment.
Implementation Method 1
The intermediate layer in one form is a damping layer that is formed of a polyether urethane material
Implementation Method 2
The upper layer in one form is formed of rubber and has a thickness of 1 inch to 11⁄2 inches, inclusive
Implementation Method 3
the selected sound reduction characteristic being a reduction of a maximum sound level of at least 5 dB from 40 to 63 Hz 1⁄3 octave bands and at least 13 dB at and above 80 Hz 1⁄3 octave bands
Data Source
AI summary
An impact damping mat comprises a plurality of layers arranged in a stacked formation. The stacked formation has a total thickness of no greater than 4 7/16 inches. The plurality of layers cooperate to provide the impact damping mat with at least one of a coefficient of restitution no greater than 30% and a selected sound reduction characteristic. The selected sound reduction characteristic can be a reduction of a maximum sound level of at least 5 dB from 40 to 63 Hz ⅓ octave bands and at least 13 dB at and above 80 Hz ⅓ octave bands normalized to a conventional ⅜ inch rollout rubber flooring product.