Modular Truss Sound-Absorbing Panel System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current acoustical panels lack flexibility and integration with architectural design, failing to effectively address reverberation issues in modern architecture with large hard surfaces, and existing products are limited in design possibilities and cost-effectiveness for tailored solutions.

Innovation Solution

A sound-absorbing panel system utilizing a rigid truss construction with sound-attenuating pads, allowing for modular, self-supporting designs that can form larger surfaces and varied shapes, from flat to 3-dimensional structures, by filling truss openings with pads, similar to pixelated surfaces, enabling customizable and cost-effective solutions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If traditional acoustical panels are used with large surface area, then sound absorption effectiveness is improved, but flexibility and integration with architectural design are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound absorption effectivenessVSAvoidflexibility and design integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustical panel is divided into multiple modular cells arranged in a grid pattern, where each cell contains sound-absorbing material. This segmentation allows the panel to maintain large total surface area for sound absorption while enabling flexible configuration and integration into various architectural designs through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel incorporates both sound-absorbing cells and decorative front covers that can serve multiple functions. The same panel structure provides acoustic treatment while offering design versatility to integrate with different architectural styles, making it universally applicable across various settings.

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If acoustical panels are constructed as rigid panels, then structural stability is improved, but design possibilities and cost-effectiveness for tailored solutions are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoiddesign possibilities
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid panel structure is segmented into modular cells with standardized dimensions, allowing the overall panel to maintain structural stability while enabling flexible configuration. Different numbers and arrangements of cells can be combined to create tailored solutions for various design requirements without compromising structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

While the basic cell structure is standardized, the panel system allows for asymmetric arrangements and variations in cell configuration, front cover designs, and panel orientations. This enables diverse design possibilities while maintaining the structural stability of individual modular units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 system provides enhanced flexibility and design possibilities, effectively reducing reverberation in various architectural settings while meeting the needs of architects for integrated sound-attenuating products, offering a range of sizes and designs without excessive costs.

Implementation Method 1

sound-absorbing panel system for attenuating noise and reverberations

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3697976B1Sound-absorbing panel system
Publication Date: 2022.11.30 AASE JOHAN ORBECK
  • EP3697976B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3697976B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3697976B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sound-absorbing panel consisting of a supporting core designed as a truss (2), wherein pads (1) of felt or other suitable material are placed within or fastened to the openings (3) of the truss (2). The truss may have a plane, curved or double-curved design. When all the openings (3) in the truss (2) are filled, a closed sound-absorbing panel plane is formed. By omitting to fill some of the openings (3), a transparent sound-absorbing panel plane is formed. The openings (3) in the truss (2) may be compared with the pixels of a television or computer screen. By filling the openings (3) with different material and colour qualities, the panels may appear in countless variations of patterns, images, colours and materials.