Sound Absorbing Structure with Porous Rendering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound absorbing structures either have visible joins when using preformed elements or compromise on sound absorption when aiming for a monolithic, smooth surface like conventional plaster or plasterboard.
Innovation Solution
A sound-absorbing structure comprising abutted elements with a filler and a porous, monolithic rendering that maintains high sound absorption coefficients while providing a smooth, aesthetically pleasing surface, achieved by using sound-absorbing elements with an acoustic absorption coefficient of at least 0.7 and a rendering with specific surface roughness parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If preformed sound absorbing elements are used, then sound absorption properties are improved, but visible joins appear between adjacent elements
Solution Approach 1:
The sound absorbing structure is divided into multiple preformed elements (panels, tiles, or other elements) that are substantially abutted together. Each element maintains its individual sound absorbing properties while the collective arrangement creates the desired monolithic appearance when combined with filler and rendering.
Solution Approach 2:
Filler material is introduced as an intermediary substance cast between the joins of adjacent elements to minimize the appearance of joins. This filler acts as a mediator that bridges the gap between segments, creating a more continuous surface appearance while preserving the sound absorbing functionality of the underlying elements.
2Shape
If conventional plaster rendering is applied over sound absorbing elements, then a monolithic surface is achieved, but sound absorption properties are seriously reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The rendering is formulated with specific local qualities - it is porous and physically or chemically cured to create a surface that maintains acoustic transparency. The rendering layer is designed to be acoustically permeable, allowing sound waves to pass through to the sound absorbing elements beneath while still providing the desired monolithic surface appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The rendering is specifically designed to be porous, which is crucial for maintaining sound absorption properties. The porous structure allows sound waves to penetrate through the rendering layer to reach the sound absorbing elements below, preventing the rendering from acting as an acoustic barrier while still providing a smooth, monolithic surface appearance.
3Reliability
If sound absorbing rendering with coarse fibrous material is applied, then sound absorption properties are improved, but surface smoothness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The rendering is formulated as a composite material combining porous binder particles with fine particulate material. This composite structure provides both the acoustic properties needed for sound absorption and the surface smoothness required for aesthetic appearance. The fine particles fill gaps between porous binder particles, creating a dense yet acoustically permeable surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The particle size of the rendering materials is carefully controlled to achieve the desired balance between smoothness and porosity. By adjusting particle size parameters and the ratio of different materials, the rendering achieves a surface that appears smooth and continuous while maintaining the porous structure necessary for sound absorption functionality.
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 sound absorption properties comparable to preformed elements while offering a monolithic, smooth surface that is aesthetically comparable to conventional plaster or plasterboard, with an acoustic absorption coefficient of at least 0.7 and surface roughness values that enhance the appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of substantially abutted, sound-absorbing, elements having an acoustic absorption coefficient αw of at least 0.7
Data Source
AI summary
A sound-absorbing structure is provided which comprises a plurality of sound-absorbing tiles or other elements fitted in position, filler cast between the elements so as to provide a substantially flat surface with the elements, and a monolithic rendering which is porous but extends over the substantially flat surface and provides a very smooth surface without significantly reducing the sound-absorbing properties of the elements.