Modular Sound Damping Assembly with Interlocking Profiles

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modular wooden construction elements exhibit poor acoustic performance, and existing combinations with felt materials are cumbersome, lack modularity, and result in non-planar surfaces, limiting their use as effective sound damping assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A sound damping assembly comprising wood profiles and acoustic profiles assembled alternatively with interlocking means, forming a releasable and modular structure that enhances acoustic properties and mechanical strength, with a planar rear surface for secure assembly and invisible fixation when mounted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If wooden profiles are used for modular construction elements, then ease of manufacture and modularity are improved, but acoustic performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodular constructionVSAvoidacoustic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines wooden profiles with acoustic profiles containing sound-absorbing materials (felt, foam, or mineral wool) to create a composite modular construction element. The wooden profile provides structural support and modularity, while the acoustic profile with sound-absorbing material improves acoustic performance, achieving a weighted sound absorption coefficient of at least 0.6 according to ISO 354.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic profile is nested within or integrated with the wooden profile structure. The interlocking means allow the acoustic profile to be inserted into or combined with the wooden profile, creating a nested configuration where the sound-absorbing material is housed within the modular framework.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If felt material is combined with wooden elements by nailing or gluing, then acoustic properties are improved, but device complexity and ease of manufacture deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic propertiesVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The construction element is segmented into separate wooden profile and acoustic profile components, each with standardized interlocking means. This segmentation allows for easy assembly and disassembly without requiring nailing or gluing, as the profiles can be connected through mechanical interlocking mechanisms such as tongue-and-groove joints or snap-fit connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between wooden and acoustic profiles is made dynamic and reversible through interlocking means that allow for easy assembly and disassembly. This eliminates the need for permanent fixation methods like nailing or gluing, enabling flexible reconfiguration and simplifying the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Object-affected harmful factors

If wooden elements are placed in front of the felt surface, then acoustic properties are improved, but the surface planarity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic propertiesVSAvoidsurface planarity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The wooden profile and acoustic profile are merged into a single integrated modular element where the acoustic profile is positioned within the same plane as the wooden profile. The interlocking means ensure that both profiles align flush, creating a planar front surface while maintaining the sound-absorbing properties of the acoustic material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If felt material is used in modular construction, then acoustic properties are improved, but modularity and design flexibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveacoustic propertiesVSAvoidmodularity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The construction system is segmented into standardized wooden profiles and acoustic profiles that can be independently manufactured and then assembled in various configurations. This segmentation maintains modularity while incorporating sound-absorbing materials, as the acoustic profiles can be easily added, removed, or repositioned without affecting the overall modular structure.

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 assembly demonstrates improved acoustic performance, achieving a weighted sound absorption coefficient of up to 0.8 according to ISO 354, ranking class B or C, while maintaining modularity and aesthetic appeal by ensuring a planar surface and secure assembly.

Implementation Method 1

Each acoustic profile (20) comprises an acoustic material (200)... demonstrating good acoustic properties... achieving a weighted sound absorption coefficient of up to 0.8 according to ISO 354

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3936674B1A sound damping assembly
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 CRAS NV
  • EP3936674B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936674B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936674B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sound damping assembly (1) comprising a visible front surface (2) and an opposite rear surface (3) and further comprising: - a first profile (10) comprising a first front surface (101) and an opposite first rear surface (102); - an acoustic profile (20) comprising an acoustic material (200), wherein said acoustic profile (20) comprises an acoustic front surface (201) and an opposite acoustic rear surface (202); and wherein: - said first profile (10) and said acoustic profile (20) further comprise a pair of interlocking means (30) configured to assemble said first profile (10) and said acoustic profile (20) together in a releasable manner, thereby forming said sound damping assembly (1); and - said opposite rear surface (3) formed by said opposite first rear surface (102) and said opposite acoustic rear surface (202) when said first profile (10) and said acoustic profile (20) are assembled is planar.