Labyrinth Noise Reduction Arrangement for Ventilators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise reduction solutions for blower ventilators, such as those using acoustic foam, require frequent maintenance and replacement, leading to logistical and hygienic challenges, especially in long-term operations like those in hospitals.
Innovation Solution
A noise reduction arrangement comprising a connecting element and at least one labyrinth element with a labyrinth structure that fills at least 40% of its volume, designed to guide air volumes and influence sound propagation, thereby reducing operating noise without the need for maintenance-prone materials like acoustic foam.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic foam is used for sound insulation, then noise reduction is achieved, but maintenance effort and replacement frequency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces acoustic foam (soft, porous material) with a solid-state labyrinth structure made of rigid or semi-rigid material. The noise reduction function is achieved through geometric design (parallel channels with specific dimensions) rather than material absorption properties, eliminating the need for maintenance associated with foam degradation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the fundamental parameter of noise reduction from material-based absorption (acoustic foam) to geometry-based sound propagation influence (labyrinth structure with specific channel dimensions). The parallel channels are designed with defined height, width, and length to guide air volumes and influence sound waves, achieving noise reduction through dimensional parameters rather than material properties.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If acoustic foam elements are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but service life and hygiene maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent substitutes acoustic foam with a solid labyrinth structure that does not degrade over time like porous materials. The rigid or semi-rigid construction resists mechanical breakdown and maintains its noise reduction functionality throughout the operational life of the blower ventilator, especially in hygienically critical environments like hospitals.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the approach by using durable, long-lasting solid material instead of short-lived foam that requires replacement. The labyrinth structure is designed to last the entire service life of the ventilator system, eliminating the need for periodic replacement of noise reduction components.
3Ease of repair
If solid structures are used instead of acoustic foam, then maintenance is reduced, but noise reduction effectiveness must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves noise reduction with solid structures by precisely controlling geometric parameters: parallel channels with specific height (10-50mm), width (20-100mm), and length (50-200mm). These dimensional parameters are optimized to guide air volumes while influencing sound propagation, maintaining noise reduction effectiveness without requiring maintenance-prone materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The labyrinth structure is divided into multiple parallel channels within the solid body, creating a segmented flow path. This segmentation allows the solid structure to effectively guide air volumes and influence sound waves through the collective action of multiple channels, achieving noise reduction comparable to or better than acoustic foam without maintenance requirements.
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 effectively reduces the radiation of operating noise into the environment by guiding and deflecting sound waves through the labyrinth structure, maintaining operational efficiency without the need for frequent maintenance or replacement of noise reduction components.
Implementation Method 1
The parallel channels are designed to guide air volumes and to influence sound propagation
Implementation Method 2
The labyrinth structure forms a plurality of parallel channels with deflections in the at least one labyrinth element
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Shown is an arrangement (1) for reducing noise at a gas inlet (8) of a forced-air ventilator (6). Labyrinth elements (2) in combination with a connecting element (3) enable effective reduction of the radiation of operating noise from the forced-air ventilator (6) to the environment (5).