Modular Pipe Silencer Resonators for Tunable Sound Attenuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pipe silencers require significant design effort to match resonance frequency and sound-absorbing properties for different applications, limiting their flexibility and cost-effectiveness, especially in construction and ventilation systems.
Innovation Solution
A modular tubular silencer design featuring annular modules with adjustable resonance frequency, allowing for the combination of different modules to create varying lengths and resonator configurations, enabling easy adaptation to specific applications by changing the number and arrangement of modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional pipe silencer design is used with fixed resonators, then sound damping at specific frequencies is achieved, but design effort and complexity increase significantly for different applications
Solution Approach 1:
The silencer is divided into modular sections that can be independently configured. Each module contains resonators with specific geometric parameters, allowing the overall system to be assembled from standardized components rather than custom-designed monolithic structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The resonators utilize variable geometric parameters (cross-sectional area, length, positioning) that can be adjusted through modular configuration. By changing the arrangement and dimensions of resonator components, the resonance frequency and damping characteristics can be tuned for different applications without redesigning the entire system.
2Reliability
If custom-designed pipe silencers are manufactured for each application, then optimal sound attenuation is achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The silencer system is segmented into reusable modular units with standardized interfaces. These modules can be manufactured in advance using conventional processes and then assembled in different configurations, reducing per-unit manufacturing costs while maintaining application-specific performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular resonator components are designed to serve multiple functions across different applications. The same basic module types can be used in various silencer configurations to address different frequency ranges and attenuation requirements, achieving economies of scale in manufacturing.
3Ease of manufacture
If fixed-configuration silencers are used, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different applications is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The silencer is constructed from discrete modular sections that can be independently manufactured using simplified processes and then assembled in different configurations. This segmentation enables both manufacturing simplicity and post-manufacturing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows the silencer configuration to be dynamically adjusted by adding, removing, or repositioning modules. This creates a flexible system that can be adapted to different applications after manufacturing, unlike fixed-configuration designs.
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 modular design allows for flexible sound attenuation across a range of frequencies, enhancing the silencer's adaptability and reducing noise pollution in various environments while maintaining cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
the resonator can be tuned to a desired resonance frequency. The resonance frequency can be selected such that sound at the resonance frequency or a multiple of the resonance frequency is particularly effectively attenuated
Implementation Method 2
Sound-emitting, i.e., vibrating gas streams can thus couple a portion of the vibration energy into the resonator, dissipating the energy there
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A pipe silencer (5) comprising at least one flow path (55) and a resonator coupled to the flow path, wherein the pipe silencer is composed in at least one section of a plurality of annular modules (1, 2, 3, 4), each forming a longitudinal section of the pipe silencer (5), wherein at least one first annular module (1) has a toroidal basic shape with a channel-shaped, polygonal cross-section, wherein the inner side surface (11) of the basic shape forms part of the wall of the flow path (55) and an opening (115) is arranged in the inner side surface (11), and wherein at least one of the annular modules (1, 2, 3, 4) further comprises a separating element (15, 35, 45). The invention further relates to a ventilation system or fireplace with a pipe silencer, as well as a kit and a method for manufacturing a pipe silencer.