Multi-layer Fibrous Acoustic Medium for Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current sound dampening materials are inadequate in effectively reducing noise levels in noisy environments, leading to issues such as confusion, strain, anxiety, and privacy concerns.

Innovation Solution

A multi-layer fibrous acoustic medium composed of various sound dampening materials like polyester, fiberglass, and nonwoven materials, fabricated using techniques like parallel and cross laying, with optional entanglement and heat treatment, to enhance sound absorption and reduce noise energy by up to 90% as measured by Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC).

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If single-layer sound dampening materials are used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the noise reduction effectiveness is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidnoise reduction effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic medium is divided into multiple discrete layers, each with specific thickness and material properties. The segmentation allows each layer to contribute differently to sound absorption across various frequencies, resolving the contradiction by maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular layering while significantly improving noise reduction effectiveness through cumulative and synergistic absorption mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite material construction by combining multiple layers of different fibrous materials (e.g., glass fibers, polyester fibers, cellulose fibers) with varying densities and thicknesses. This composite approach enables the acoustic medium to effectively dampen a broader spectrum of noise frequencies while maintaining ease of manufacture through standardized layering procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If multi-layer acoustic medium is used, then the noise reduction effectiveness is significantly improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise reduction effectivenessVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the acoustic medium into distinct layers with specific functions (e.g., high-frequency absorption, low-frequency absorption, transition layers), the patent achieves superior noise reduction effectiveness while managing complexity through functional modularity. Each layer can be independently optimized and replaced, simplifying the overall system management despite the multi-layer structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically varies parameters such as layer thickness, material density, and fiber composition across different layers to optimize noise reduction performance. This parameter optimization approach improves effectiveness while controlling complexity by establishing clear design rules and parameter ranges for each layer type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 multi-layer fibrous acoustic medium effectively absorbs and reduces sound energy, providing significant noise reduction in various applications, including panels for walls, ceilings, and flooring, thereby improving acoustic control and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a multi-layer fibrous acoustic medium for absorbing sound energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3714112B1Multi-layer acoustic medium
Publication Date: 2024.10.23 NUT SHELL LLC
  • EP3714112B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3714112B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Acoustic mediums are disclosed herein. The acoustic mediums can include a plurality of layers. The layers of the acoustic mediums can include fibrous acoustic materials that are entangled throughout the layer. In certain instances, the layers of the acoustic medium can include first portion of acoustic materials disposed along a first plane, and a second portion of acoustic materials disposed along a second plane. Methods of fabricating multi-layer acoustic mediums are also disclosed.