Soundproofing Element with Bulk Material Chambers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling constructions in prefabricated buildings, such as wooden beam and board stack constructions, are inadequate for soundproofing, particularly failing to effectively absorb footfall noise, which affects the quality of life in residential settings.
Innovation Solution
A soundproofing element comprising a base element with a receiving area for bulk material, where the material is filled and sealed with a closure element, such as a film or bag, to provide efficient impact sound insulation, allowing for easy prefabrication and transportation, and featuring a design that divides the receiving area into chambers for uniform insulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wooden beam or board stack ceiling constructions are used in prefabricated buildings, then construction simplicity and prefabrication are achieved, but soundproofing performance deteriorates allowing footfall noise to be heard
Solution Approach 1:
The ceiling construction is divided into separate functional layers: a base element providing structural support and a distinct soundproofing element containing bulk material. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the base element for structural requirements and the soundproofing element for acoustic performance, while both can be prefabricated and assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
The soundproofing element combines a rigid base element (cardboard, plastic, or fiberboard) with loose bulk material (shredded wood-cement panels, sand, expanded concrete, wood chips, or gravel). This composite structure leverages the structural integrity of the base element and the sound-absorbing properties of the bulk material to achieve both structural and acoustic functions.
2Productivity
If bulk material is filled into a base element at the factory for prefabrication, then assembly is simplified and transportation is easier, but the opening must be sealed to prevent material loss
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible closure element made of film material is used to seal the opening of the base element. The film is stretched over the opening and secured using welding, adhesive bonding, or mechanical fasteners. This approach provides an effective seal to prevent bulk material loss while maintaining relatively simple construction and allowing for efficient prefabrication processes.
3Manufacturing precision
If the receiving area is divided into multiple chambers using elevations, then uniform insulation is achieved, but the base element structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving area is divided into multiple chambers using elevations or partitions within the base element. This segmentation ensures uniform distribution of the bulk material across different zones, preventing settling and maintaining consistent soundproofing performance throughout the entire ceiling area.
Solution Approach 2:
The elevations and chamber divisions are pre-formed in the base element during manufacturing. This preliminary structuring ensures that when bulk material is added, it is automatically distributed uniformly across all chambers, achieving consistent insulation without requiring additional field adjustments or complex installation procedures.
4Weight of moving object
If lightweight materials like plastic, cardboard, or paper are used for the base element, then handling and transportation are easier, but structural strength may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The base element is constructed from lightweight materials such as plastic, cardboard, or fiberboard, which facilitate easy handling and transportation. The structural adequacy is achieved through optimized geometric design of the base element and side walls, and by ensuring proper distribution and compaction of the bulk material within the receiving area, creating a composite structure that meets both weight and strength requirements.
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 footfall noise through the use of bulk materials with low sound conduction, simplifies assembly by allowing easy handling and installation, and ensures environmental sustainability by utilizing recycled materials, while maintaining a lightweight and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
the bulk material has a significantly lower sound conduction than solid bodies
Implementation Method 2
the opening is closed by a closure element... means that the bulk material cannot be lost during transport
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a soundproofing element (10, 100, 210, 212) comprising a base element (12) having a receiving area (14) for receiving bulk material (28) and an opening (26) for filling the bulk material (28). The receiving area (24) is at least partially filled with the bulk material (28), and the opening (26) is closed by a closing element (30). The invention further relates to a method for manufacturing such a soundproofing element (10, 100, 210, 212).