Modular Silencer Baffles With Interlocking Sections

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Solution Overview

Problem

Gas turbine engines experience excessive noise due to the large volume of intake air moving through air ducts, which acts as a conduit for significant acoustical energy generated by compressor blades, leading to noise pollution.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of modularized silencer baffles with interlocking baffle sections and sound absorption inserts within the air ducts to absorb noise, featuring mating interlock structures and a contoured shape for improved aerodynamics and noise reduction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional non-modular silencer baffles are used, then noise reduction is achieved, but installation and maintenance become difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveInstallation and maintenance easeVSAvoidNoise levels
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The silencer baffle is divided into multiple modular sections that can be independently installed, removed, and replaced. Each section contains sound absorption material and can be individually accessed for maintenance without dismantling the entire silencer assembly, significantly improving installation and maintenance ease while maintaining noise reduction effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If modular silencer baffles with sound absorption inserts are implemented, then noise attenuation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveNoise attenuationVSAvoidBaffle system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The baffle system is segmented into standardized modular sections with uniform interfaces. Each module contains integrated sound absorption inserts and interlocking features, allowing complex noise attenuation functionality to be achieved through simple repetition of standardized units rather than a single complex custom-designed baffle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The modular baffle sections are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to be used in various positions and configurations within the air duct system. The same basic module serves multiple functions: noise attenuation, structural support, and easy replacement, reducing overall system complexity despite enhanced noise reduction capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If interlocking baffle sections are used, then ease of assembly improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly easeVSAvoidInterlock fitting precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The interlocking mechanism is designed with segmented, standardized connection features such as protrusions and recesses with generous tolerances. These simplified interlock geometries are easier to manufacture with standard machining processes while still providing secure assembly, balancing manufacturing precision requirements with assembly ease.

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 solution effectively reduces noise levels by utilizing modular silencer baffles with interlocking sections and sound absorption materials, enhancing the aerodynamic shape and noise attenuation capabilities within the air ducts of gas turbine engines.

Implementation Method 1

sound absorption inserts within the air ducts to absorb noise

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3346108B1Improved inlet silencer baffle system
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 GENERAL ELECTRIC TECH GMBH
  • EP3346108B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3346108B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3346108B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A system includes a silencer baffle 28 which mounts in a fluid conduit along a fluid flow path, where the silencer baffle includes a plurality of baffle sections 36. At least two baffle sections of the plurality of baffle sections couple together via mating interlock structures 38, and at least one baffle section of the plurality of baffle sections has first and second baffle portions which couple together via mating joints.