Reconfigurable Helmholtz Resonator Module for Tunable Noise Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional Helmholtz resonators face challenges in managing sound fields with varied frequencies, leading to unabsorbed sound reradiation and diffusion, and lack of adjustability or reconfigurability to match specific acoustic noise environments.

Innovation Solution

An acoustic control module comprising a Helmholtz resonator portion arrangement with partially open resonator portions that can be selectively closed to form resonators, allowing for customizable configurations to target specific frequencies, and an optional control mechanism to adjust operation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional Helmholtz resonators are used with fixed configurations, then manufacturing is simple, but adaptability to different frequency ranges is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different frequency rangesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic control module is divided into separate functional components: a body portion containing multiple resonator cavities, a resonator portion with adjustable positioning, and a closing member. This segmentation allows the resonator portion to be independently positioned and configured to target different frequency ranges while keeping the overall structure manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator portion is designed to be movable relative to the body portion, allowing dynamic repositioning to adjust the acoustic characteristics. The closing member can be selectively positioned to open or close resonator openings, enabling real-time adjustment of which resonators are active. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical structure to adapt to different acoustic requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If Helmholtz resonators are designed for specific frequencies, then noise control effectiveness is improved, but reconfigurability for different environments is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereconfigurabilityVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The acoustic control module is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple frequency ranges and acoustic environments. The body portion contains multiple resonator cavities that can be selectively activated by positioning the closing member, allowing a single manufactured unit to function as different frequency-specific resonators depending on configuration rather than requiring separate custom-manufactured units for each frequency range.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If all resonator portions are kept open, then manufacturing and assembly are simple, but control over sound absorption is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol over sound absorptionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closing member is extracted as a separate controllable element that can be selectively positioned to open or close specific resonator openings. This allows individual control over which resonators are active without complicating the basic resonator structure itself, maintaining ease of manufacture while enabling operational control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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

Enables effective control of target acoustic noise frequencies with increased adjustability and reconfigurability, reducing sound diffusion and enhancing noise attenuation in diverse environments.

Implementation Method 1

A volume of air within a Helmholtz resonator may be vibrated to produce a tone at its natural frequency of resonance. Absorption of acoustic noise is maximal at the frequency of resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelmholtz resonance: Helmholtz Resonance

Implementation Method 2

A Helmholtz resonator is a type of resonant absorber. A volume of air within a Helmholtz resonator may be vibrated to produce a tone at its natural frequency of resonance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectResonance: Resonance

Implementation Method 3

the module and a closing member arrangement are locatable relative to one another thereby to close one or more of the one or more Helmholtz resonator portions

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentEP4675609A1Acoustic control module, acoustic control system, apparatus, kit, and method
Publication Date: 2026.01.07 BAE SYSTEMS PLC
  • EP4675609A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4675609A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4675609A1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

According to the present disclosure there is provided an acoustic control module for an acoustic control system, the module comprising: a Helmholtz resonator portion arrangement comprising one or more Helmholtz resonator portions, each Helmholtz resonator portion comprising a cavity portion and a neck portion, each Helmholtz resonator portion being at least partially open, wherein the module and a closing member arrangement are locatable relative to one another thereby to close one or more of the one or more Helmholtz resonator portions to form one or more Helmholtz resonators.