Movable Acoustic Ceiling Panels for Dynamic Sound Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustic systems in performance spaces, such as concert halls and recording studios, face challenges in dynamically adjusting acoustical conditions to accommodate varying performance types, audience configurations, and seating arrangements, as they require real-time changes in sound absorption and reflection properties.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising panel assemblies mounted to a ceiling with actuating mechanisms for vertical movement, rotational adjustments, and sound-absorbing/reflecting surface alignment, controlled by a sensor and processor unit to dynamically change the acoustics based on acoustic pressure and occupancy data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed acoustic panels are installed on the ceiling, then the structural simplicity is maintained, but the adaptability to different acoustic demands is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transforming fixed acoustic panels into movable, adjustable panels that can change position and orientation. The panels are equipped with actuators that enable them to move between different configurations, allowing the acoustic properties of the space to be dynamically adjusted based on performance requirements, thus resolving the contradiction between maintaining structural simplicity and achieving acoustic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the ceiling into multiple independent acoustic panel assemblies, each capable of individual adjustment. This segmentation allows different regions of the ceiling to be optimized for different acoustic functions, enabling the system to adapt to various acoustic demands while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through modular design.
2Adaptability or versatility
If acoustic panels are made adjustable to meet different performance requirements, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing acoustic panels that can perform multiple functions: they can be adjusted vertically, rotated horizontally, and tilted at various angles. Each panel assembly incorporates multiple actuators that enable these different movements, allowing a single panel system to address diverse acoustic requirements for different performance types, thereby improving adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex manual adjustment mechanisms with automated actuating systems. Electric or pneumatic actuators are used to control panel positions and orientations, substituting intricate mechanical linkages with more compact, controllable actuation systems that reduce overall device complexity while maintaining full adjustability.
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple actuating mechanisms are added to each panel assembly, then the acoustic control precision is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow the control system to monitor the actual positions and orientations of acoustic panels and make precise adjustments accordingly. Sensors detect panel configurations and provide feedback to actuators, enabling accurate positioning control despite the presence of multiple actuating mechanisms per panel assembly, thus maintaining ease of operation through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through automated control systems that manage the multiple actuators within each panel assembly. The system can autonomously adjust panel configurations based on pre-programmed settings or real-time acoustic requirements, eliminating the need for manual operation of complex actuating mechanisms and thereby maintaining ease of operation while achieving high positioning precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing acoustics of a performance space may include mounting a plurality of panel assemblies to a ceiling or a portion of a ceiling of the performance space. Each panel assembly of the plurality of panel assemblies may include one or more acoustic panels. The exemplary method may further include changing a distance of the one or more acoustic panels of each panel assembly of the plurality of panel assemblies from the ceiling by coupling the one or more acoustic panels of each panel assembly of the plurality of panel assemblies with a first actuating mechanism, and actuating a linear vertical movement of the one or more acoustic panels of each panel assembly of the plurality of panel assemblies along a first axis perpendicular to the ceiling utilizing the first actuating mechanism.