Mobile Acoustical Panel with Rolling Legs for Reconfigurable Sound Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound control solutions for environments, such as sound reducing panels and absorbing devices, often require complex installations and are not easily movable or interlockable, limiting their flexibility and practicality for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A mobile acoustical panel with a frame and rolling members that supports a flexible acoustical blocking material, allowing for easy movement and interlocking of panels, and capable of being transported or stored in a small volume, with the option to mount panels at an angle of ninety degrees.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sound reducing panels are used, then sound transmission loss is achieved, but installation complexity and immobility increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound control system is divided into modular panels that can be independently installed and reconfigured. Each panel is a self-contained unit with standardized dimensions and mounting features, allowing flexible arrangement without complex custom installations. The panels can be segmented to fit different spatial configurations while maintaining acoustic performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound reducing panels are designed to be movable rather than fixed, mounted on adjustable supports that allow repositioning and reconfiguration. This dynamic capability enables the acoustic barriers to be moved to different locations or adjusted to change room acoustics, eliminating the need for permanent construction while maintaining sound transmission loss effectiveness.
2Reliability
If fixed sound absorbing devices are installed, then acoustic control is improved, but flexibility and reconfigurability decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The sound absorbing devices are mounted on adjustable supports with movable components that enable repositioning. The devices can be moved along walls, repositioned to different heights, or relocated to entirely different positions, allowing the acoustic environment to be dynamically adjusted based on changing requirements while maintaining effective sound absorption.
Solution Approach 2:
The acoustic panels and devices are designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that allow them to be installed in multiple configurations and locations. The same panel can serve different acoustic functions depending on its position and orientation, providing versatility without requiring multiple specialized devices.
3Reliability
If heavy sound blocking materials are used, then sound transmission loss increases, but ease of movement decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The sound blocking panels incorporate movable mounting mechanisms that allow heavy acoustic materials to be easily repositioned. The panels can be moved along tracked supports or adjusted on wheeled bases, enabling heavy sound-blocking materials to be relocated without requiring permanent installation or specialized equipment, thus maintaining ease of operation despite the weight of the acoustic materials.
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
Facilitates the efficient reduction of acoustic energy transmission while enabling easy installation, reconfiguration, and storage, with a sound transmission loss of up to 85% and sound absorption coefficient of 0.78, enhancing acoustic control in diverse settings.
Implementation Method 1
A first and second plurality of rolling members are secured to the first and second pair of support legs for enabling the frame to be moved along the surface. A flexible acoustical blocking material is provided for blocking acoustical sound. A plurality of fasteners securing the flexible acoustical blocking material to the supports forming the acoustical panel for inhibiting acoustic transmission therethough.
Implementation Method 2
sound absorption coefficient of 0.78
Data Source
AI summary
A moveable acoustical panel is disclosed for location on a surface comprising a frame having a lower support supporting an upper horizontal support by a first and a second vertical support. A first and second pair of support leg extends angularly from said first end of said frame with first and second plurality of rolling members secure thereto for enabling said frame to be moved along the surface. A flexible acoustical blocking material for blocking acoustical sound is secured to the supports.