Modular Acoustic Attenuators for Frequency-Selective Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional solid walls for noise reduction are expensive, require maintenance, and have poor drainage and limited flexibility in frequency attenuation, making them undesirable for noise mitigation.

Innovation Solution

A modular arrangement of attenuators with elongate bodies and open apertures, configured to resonate at specific frequency bands, which can be arranged in rows or patterns to effectively attenuate acoustic waves across a broad range of frequencies, allowing for flexible material selection and easy installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If solid walls are used for noise reduction, then noise attenuation is achieved, but construction cost increases and maintenance is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise attenuationVSAvoidconstruction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic barrier is divided into multiple discrete attenuators that can be independently manufactured and assembled. Each attenuator is a separate unit with specific resonant frequency characteristics, allowing modular construction that reduces overall cost and simplifies installation compared to building a continuous solid wall.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuators are designed to operate at specific resonant frequencies, changing the approach from broad-spectrum solid wall attenuation to frequency-selective attenuation. By tuning the resonant frequency of each attenuator to target specific noise frequencies, effective noise reduction is achieved with less material and lower construction cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If solid walls are used for noise reduction, then noise attenuation is achieved, but drainage capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise attenuationVSAvoiddrainage capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuators incorporate porous or perforated structures that allow fluid passage while maintaining acoustic attenuation functionality. The open apertures and cavity structures enable water drainage through the barrier while the resonant frequency mechanisms continue to attenuate noise, solving both requirements simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

3Object-affected harmful factors

If attenuators are designed for specific resonant frequency bands, then frequency-selective attenuation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency-selective attenuationVSAvoidattenuator structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attenuator design nests a second body within the cavity of a first body, creating concentric structures. Each body can be tuned to different resonant frequency bands, allowing multiple frequency targets to be addressed within a single integrated component rather than requiring separate attenuators for each frequency range.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The attenuator structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables drainage through its open apertures, and delivers frequency-selective noise attenuation through its resonant cavity design. The same structural elements that define the resonant frequency also provide mechanical strength and fluid passage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If multiple attenuators are arranged in rows to cover broad frequency ranges, then frequency coverage is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefrequency coverageVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic barrier system is segmented into multiple standardized attenuator units, each designed for a specific resonant frequency band. These modular units can be manufactured using the same basic process and then assembled in different frequency combinations depending on the specific noise mitigation requirements, simplifying both manufacturing and installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 attenuator arrangement provides efficient noise reduction by resonating acoustic waves, reducing energy and amplitude, while allowing for drainage and flexibility in design, offering a cost-effective and maintainable solution for noise mitigation.

Implementation Method 1

the first body being configured to attenuate acoustic waves over a resonant frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 2

the second body being configured to attenuate acoustic waves over a further resonant frequency band, different to the resonant frequency band

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Data Source

PatentUS9607600B2Attenuators, arrangements of attenuators, acoustic barriers and methods for constructing acoustic barriers

Publication Date: 2017.03.28 SONOBEX

AI summary

An arrangement comprising a plurality of attenuators for attenuating acoustic waves, each attenuator of the plurality of attenuators comprising: a first body defining a cavity therein and at least one open aperture extending across a portion of the first body, the first body being configured to attenuate acoustic waves over a resonant frequency band.