Viscoelastic Fastening Element for Ship Insulation Vibration Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current construction elements in ships fail to effectively reduce noise pollution due to vibration transmission and 'acoustic bridge' effects, which are exacerbated by the compression of thermally and acoustically insulating materials during attachment.

Innovation Solution

A fastening element with a Young's modulus between 5kPa and 100MPa and a damping factor of 5% to 100% is used to attach thermally and acoustically insulating materials, reducing vibration transmission and pressure on the materials, thereby minimizing noise pollution.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If conventional fixing elements are used to attach insulating material to metal walls, then the insulating material is securely fixed, but vibration transmission is amplified and noise pollution increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefixing strengthVSAvoidnoise pollution
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A viscoelastic layer is introduced as an intermediary between the fixing element and the insulating material. This layer acts as a mediator that decouples the mechanical connection while absorbing vibrations, preventing the amplification of noise that would otherwise occur through direct contact between the fixing element and the insulating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameters of the fixing element by incorporating a viscoelastic material with specific damping characteristics. This material exhibits frequency-dependent stiffness and damping properties that allow it to maintain securing strength while dissipating vibrational energy, thereby reducing noise transmission to the metal wall.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Strength

If fixing elements exert pressure on insulating material to secure attachment, then mechanical strength is ensured, but 'acoustic bridge' effect intensifies vibration transmission

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical strengthVSAvoidacoustic insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The viscoelastic layer serves as a mediator between the fixing element and the insulating material, maintaining the necessary mechanical connection while preventing the direct pressure transmission that creates acoustic bridges. This intermediary layer distributes the pressure and decouples the acoustic pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element is constructed as a composite structure combining rigid components for mechanical strength with a viscoelastic component for vibration damping. This composite design allows the element to simultaneously provide secure attachment and acoustic insulation by preventing the formation of rigid acoustic bridges through the insulating material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid fixing elements are used to ensure structural integrity, then attachment stability is maintained, but vibration dissipation capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidvibration energy dissipation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The invention changes the material parameters of the fixing element from purely rigid to viscoelastic, introducing frequency-dependent mechanical properties. This allows the element to exhibit both stability for attachment and energy dissipation for vibration control, as the viscoelastic material can deform and dissipate energy while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The fixing element employs a composite structure that combines rigid materials for structural stability with viscoelastic materials for vibration energy dissipation. This composite design enables the element to simultaneously maintain attachment stability and effectively dampen vibrations, converting mechanical energy into heat through the viscoelastic layer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

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 effectively reduces noise pollution by dissipating vibrations and limiting the 'acoustic bridge' effect, maintaining structural integrity while enhancing acoustic insulation.

Implementation Method 1

a damping factor of between 5% and 100%

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 2

The at least one material which forms the fixing element is a viscoelastic material

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 3

The higher the damping factor, the greater the dissipated energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3871969A1Element for attaching a means for attaching a construction element intended for a ship
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 SAINT GOBAIN ISOVER
  • EP3871969A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3871969A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3871969A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fastening element (220) of a fastening means (200) intended to connect a layer of a thermally and/or acoustically insulating material (120) to a wall (110) of a construction element (100) of a ship, the fastening element (220) comprising at least one material which has a Young's modulus of between 5kPa and 100MPa and at least one material whose damping factor is between 5% and 100%.