Perforated Acoustic Panel With Rear FPC LEDs for Low-Glare Lighting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for integrating illumination into acoustic panels are complex and costly, and they often interfere with sound absorption and cause glare.

Innovation Solution

A perforated acoustic panel with a flexible printed circuit (FPC) layer on its rear side, featuring LEDs that emit light through perforations, allowing for efficient and cost-effective illumination while maintaining sound absorption and minimizing glare.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If illumination is integrated into acoustic boards using existing methods, then illumination function is achieved, but the integration becomes complicated and costly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidintegration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the illumination function directly with the acoustic board by integrating an LED strip into the board structure itself, merging two separate functions (acoustic absorption and illumination) into a single unified component. This eliminates the need for separate illumination installations and reduces overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic board is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it provides acoustic absorption through its porous material and rear cavity structure, while also providing illumination through the integrated LED strip. This multi-functional design reduces the number of separate components needed in the room.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing illumination integration methods are used, then illumination is provided, but cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the LED illumination strip with the acoustic board manufacturing process, the patent eliminates the need for separate illumination installations and reduces overall system cost. The LED strip is integrated directly into the board structure during production, reducing assembly steps and material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If illumination is integrated into acoustic boards, then illumination function is achieved, but sound absorption is interfered with

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveillumination functionVSAvoidsound absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The LED strip is positioned in a specific location on the rear side of the acoustic board, localized to areas that do not interfere with the sound absorption pathways. The illumination function is concentrated in specific zones while leaving the acoustic performance zones intact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The acoustic board is segmented into different functional zones: the front surface and porous material for acoustic absorption, the rear cavity for sound wave reflection and absorption enhancement, and specific areas on the rear side for LED illumination. This segmentation allows each zone to perform its function without interfering with others.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Object-affected harmful factors

If LEDs are positioned to emit light through perforations, then glare is minimized, but sound absorption may be affected

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveglareVSAvoidsound absorption

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of placing LEDs on the front side of the acoustic board (which would cause glare), the LEDs are inverted to the rear side of the board, emitting light through the perforations from the back. This reverse positioning eliminates direct glare while still providing illumination through the board.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 solution provides effective illumination with reduced glare and enhanced sound absorption by using a FPC with LEDs positioned to emit light through perforations, ensuring minimal interference with sound waves and allowing for adjustable light characteristics.

Implementation Method 1

The FPC comprising a plurality of LEDs, each LED arranged to be positioned to emit light through a perforation of the panel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

Perforated surfaces of sound absorbing materials allow sound and/or air to flow through the material to increase the absorbing effect of the sound absorbing material behind

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentUS12455072B2Perforated acoustic panel, method of producing, and use of the same

Publication Date: 2025.10.28 KNAUF GIPS KG

AI summary

A perforated acoustic panel for mounting to a wall and/or a ceiling, including a visible front side and a rear side hidden by the panel when mounted is discussed. It is an objective of the disclosure to provide illuminating walls or ceilings. The objective is solved by a flexible printed circuit layer, FPC, attached to the rear side of the panel, the FPC comprising a plurality of LEDs, wherein each LED is arranged to be positioned to emit light through a perforation of the panel.