Planar Anti-Noise Module for Indoor Acoustic Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing noise reduction solutions for indoor spaces are complex, costly, and difficult to install, making them impractical for widespread use in reducing background noise effectively.
Innovation Solution
A compact, lightweight, and inexpensive flat element with self-sufficient anti-noise modules, each containing a microphone, electrical circuit, and loudspeaker, that can be easily integrated into curtains or partitions, allowing for flexible arrangement and adjustment to optimize noise cancellation without complex signal processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complex anti-noise systems with multiple modules and signal processing are used, then noise reduction effectiveness is improved, but device complexity and installation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into independent anti-noise modules, each capable of autonomous operation. Each module contains its own microphone, electrical circuit, and loudspeaker, allowing the system to achieve effective noise reduction through distributed simple units rather than a single complex centralized system.
Solution Approach 2:
Each anti-noise module is self-sufficient with integrated components (microphone, electrical circuit, loudspeaker) that operate autonomously. The modules self-organize into a functional system without requiring complex external control or inter-module coordination, simplifying the overall system architecture.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If professionally installed complex anti-noise systems are deployed, then noise cancellation performance is improved, but ease of installation and user accessibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system consists of discrete, modular units that can be independently handled and installed. This segmentation allows non-professionals to install the system piece by piece without dealing with complex integrated systems, making professional installation unnecessary while maintaining effective noise cancellation through the collective action of multiple simple modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-sufficient nature of each module with its integrated components enables end-users to install and configure the system themselves. The modules require no complex wiring or configuration between them, allowing ordinary users to achieve effective noise cancellation without professional assistance.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If expensive anti-noise systems are implemented, then noise reduction quality is improved, but cost-effectiveness and widespread adoption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses multiple simple, inexpensive modules instead of a single complex expensive system. Each module contains basic components (microphone, electrical circuit, loudspeaker) that are cheap to manufacture. The collective noise reduction quality is achieved through the coordinated operation of many simple units, making the system cost-effective and accessible for widespread adoption.
Solution Approach 2:
The anti-noise modules are designed to be inexpensive and simple to manufacture, replacing the need for expensive complex systems. While individual modules are simple and low-cost, their collective operation achieves effective noise reduction quality, making the overall solution economically viable for broad deployment.
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 achieves significant noise reduction, with up to 20 dB of sound reduction in the 500 Hz to 1200 Hz frequency range, and can be installed by non-professionals, providing a cost-effective and adaptable solution for various indoor noise scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
anti-noise is generated, that is, a targeted and artificially generated sound that is superimposed on the unwanted noise and whose phase is shifted relative to the unwanted noise such that the unwanted noise is canceled out or significantly attenuated. Ideally, the phase difference of the anti-noise is 180 degrees
Implementation Method 2
the unwanted noise is canceled out or significantly attenuated
Implementation Method 3
At the rear side facing away from the loudspeaker, at least one microphone is arranged, pointing towards the source of the noise
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a planar element (24), which can be designed as a curtain for a window (13), as a partition or dividing wall, or as a ceiling part or wall part, for the active compensation of noise (14') from different directions (17') in an interior room. The planar element is equipped with anti-noise modules (12), each having a microphone and an electronic circuit having a combination of filters for adjusting phase and amplitude and an electronically controllable amplifier and a loudspeaker for active noise cancellation. As a special characteristic, the planar element (24) is equipped over the width thereof with a plurality of anti-noise modules (12) controllable in an analog manner on each of a plurality of different longitudinally extending lines and is to be placed, for example, in front of a window having bounding walls (13). Said anti-noise modules (12) are at most 50 mm thick, at most 150 mm long, and at most 100 mm wide and have a maximum weight of 200 grams per anti-noise module (12) such that said anti-noise modules can be inconspicuously integrated into the planar element (24) and jointly form longitudinally extending chains of anti-noise modules (12), the anti-noise modules of each chain being arranged in succession over electrical supply lines jointly connecting the anti-noise modules in the form of just two electrical cables extending along the longitudinally extending line. The chain, with the supply lines thereof, is connected in parallel by two electrical supply cables or supply rails, which are under low voltage and which extend transversely to the longitudinally extending lines of the chains. The loudspeakers emit a canceling sound (16') with respect to the noise (15'), which canceling sound first passes through the planar element (24) and subsequently largely cancels the noise.