Sound Panel Frame Design for Acoustic Absorption

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound panels lack a structured design that effectively combines absorption members, frames, and fabrics to optimize sound energy absorption across a range of frequencies, particularly in outdoor or hazardous environments, where durability and frequency control are critical.

Innovation Solution

A sound panel design incorporating an outer fabric, an absorption member, a frame, a membrane, and an inner fabric, with boards fastened to an exterior frame, where the membrane and absorption member are strategically positioned to limit high-frequency absorption and enhance low-frequency capture, and the frame provides a built-in air gap for improved performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a simple frame structure is used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but structural integrity and durability in hazardous environments deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidstructural integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is constructed from multiple board layers (first board layer and second board layer) fastened to opposite sides of the absorption member, creating a composite structure that enhances structural integrity while maintaining manufacturing feasibility. This multi-layer construction provides durability in hazardous environments without requiring complex single-piece framing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The frame is divided into separate components including first boards and second boards that are fastened to opposite sides of the absorption member. This segmentation allows for easier manufacturing and assembly while maintaining overall structural strength through the distributed fastening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If absorption members are exposed without coverage, then sound absorption efficiency is maximized, but durability in outdoor or hazardous environments deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A membrane is stretched across the front surface of the absorption member, providing a protective barrier that shields the absorption material from environmental damage while maintaining acoustic performance. This thin film approach protects the absorption member without significantly increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane serves multiple functions: it protects the absorption member from environmental hazards, maintains the structural integrity of the panel, and allows sound waves to pass through while providing a finished aesthetic appearance. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components.

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

3Reliability

If high-frequency absorption is enhanced, then overall sound absorption performance is improved, but low-frequency capture capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound absorption performanceVSAvoidfrequency range coverage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the sound panel are designed with different properties: the membrane at the front addresses high-frequency absorption, while the thick absorption member (4-6 inches) provides low-frequency capture capability. This local differentiation of acoustic properties across different parts of the panel achieves broad frequency range coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent addresses frequency range coverage by adding dimensional depth to the absorption member (4-6 inches thick) rather than relying solely on surface properties. This three-dimensional approach to absorption allows simultaneous effectiveness across multiple frequency ranges by creating depth-based acoustic pathways.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Ease of operation

If the frame is directly attached to the absorption member, then assembly simplicity is improved, but air gap formation for optimal performance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidacoustic performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is stretched and secured to the frame before the absorption member is installed, creating a pre-formed air gap structure. This preliminary action ensures the air gap is maintained while simplifying the subsequent assembly of the absorption member, as the gap structure is already in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane acts as an intermediary element between the frame and the absorption member, maintaining the necessary air gap while still allowing the frame to be securely attached to the absorption member. This intermediary structure preserves acoustic performance without complicating the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 design effectively dampens sound energy across various frequencies, providing enhanced sound absorption and durability, suitable for outdoor or hazardous environments, by combining materials and structures to manage frequency ranges and structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

Sound panels function by turning sound energy into heat through friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2860321B1Sound panel and method for assembly of a sound panel
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 KURAS GLENN
  • EP2860321B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2860321B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2860321B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A sound panel includes an outer fabric, an absorption member that at least indirectly connects to the outer fabric, and a frame that is at least indirectly connected to the absorption member, where the outer fabric is fastened to the frame.