Systems and methods for constructing noise reducing surfaces

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound dampening materials in buildings are often installed post-construction, leading to increased costs and inconsistency in sound absorption, as they are not integrally formed with structural elements.

Innovation Solution

Integrally forming sound absorption systems with structural surfaces during construction by pouring construction materials like concrete or cement onto an acoustic medium, allowing the material to cure and bond with the surface, thereby reducing installation costs and ensuring uniform sound dampening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If sound dampening materials are installed post-construction, then installation flexibility is maintained, but installation costs increase and sound absorption consistency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidsound absorption consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the structural element and sound dampening material into a single integrated component. The acoustic medium is embedded within the construction material itself, eliminating the need for separate installation steps and ensuring uniform sound absorption properties throughout the entire surface area.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sound dampening material is incorporated into the construction material before the construction process is completed. By embedding the acoustic medium during the initial construction phase, the system ensures consistent sound absorption without requiring subsequent installation steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If sound dampening materials are installed post-construction, then construction schedule is maintained, but installation costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction scheduleVSAvoidinstallation costs

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the sound dampening function with the structural construction process. By integrating the acoustic medium into the construction material, the system eliminates separate installation operations and associated labor costs while maintaining construction schedule efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The construction material serves multiple functions simultaneously: providing structural support and providing sound dampening. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional materials and installation steps, thereby reducing overall costs without impacting the construction schedule.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Device complexity

If sound dampening materials are installed post-construction, then construction process is simplified, but sound absorption uniformity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconstruction process simplicityVSAvoidsound absorption uniformity

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent ensures that the acoustic medium is distributed uniformly throughout the construction material at the local level. This local integration guarantees consistent sound absorption properties across the entire surface, eliminating the variability that occurs with post-construction installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

By incorporating the sound dampening material during the construction process itself, the system ensures uniform distribution and integration. This preliminary action prevents the inconsistencies that arise from attempting to install rigid sound dampening materials after construction is complete.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method reduces installation costs, provides uniform sound absorption, and streamlines construction projects by integrating sound dampening into building components like ceilings, floors, and walls, effectively reducing noise levels by up to 90% as measured by Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC).

Implementation Method 1

a portion of the construction material absorbs into a region of the acoustic medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAbsorption: Absorption (physical)

Implementation Method 2

a portion of the construction material absorbs into a region of the acoustic medium

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 3

curing the construction material such that the acoustic medium is integrally bonded to the construction material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectChemical bonding: Chemical Bonding

Data Source

PatentUS11551654B2Systems and methods for constructing noise reducing surfaces

Publication Date: 2023.01.10 NUT SHELL LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods are disclosed for a multi-layered sound absorption structure. The multi-layered sound absorption structure may include a form material, an acoustic material disposed on a surface of the form material, and a construction material disposed on the acoustic material. The acoustic material may couple to the construction material during curing of the construction material. After the construction material is cured, the form material may be removed exposing a least a portion of the acoustic material.