Soundproofing Wall Module With Labyrinthine Coupling Edges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing soundproofing walls face challenges with high production costs and time, water infiltration, and reduced soundproofing effectiveness due to exposed connection joints and transverse sound wave passage, which compromise both watertightness and acoustic sealing.
Innovation Solution
The soundabsorbing and/or soundproofing module features ductile metal sheets with interposed soundabsorbing material, forming coupling edges with bent peripheral portions that create gripping loops for hermetic closure, eliminating the need for attachment elements and forming a labyrinthine seal to prevent sound wave transmission and water infiltration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If attachment elements (screws or rivets) are used to connect metal sheets, then the structural strength is improved, but production time and costs increase, and complete watertightness cannot be guaranteed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection function and sealing function are merged into a single integrated coupling edge structure. The male/female coupling edges with labyrinthine geometry provide both mechanical connection and watertight sealing without requiring separate attachment elements, thereby reducing production time while maintaining structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling edge structure acts as an intermediary element that simultaneously provides mechanical connection and sealing. The labyrinthine geometry of the coupling edges creates multiple sealing interfaces that prevent water infiltration while maintaining structural strength without additional fasteners
2Ease of manufacture
If simple fixed joints with flat surfaces are used for panel connections, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but soundproofing effectiveness deteriorates due to transverse sound wave passage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling edge geometry transitions from a simple linear joint to a three-dimensional labyrinthine structure. This dimensional complexity creates multiple reflection and absorption paths for sound waves, significantly reducing transverse sound transmission while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through sheet metal forming
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling edges feature curved and contoured surfaces rather than flat planes. The male and female coupling edges have complementary curved geometries that create a labyrinthine seal, effectively blocking sound wave propagation while allowing simple manufacturing through bending and forming operations
3Device complexity
If connection joints are directly exposed to the exterior, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but water infiltration is encouraged
Solution Approach 1:
The exposed connection joints, which could be sources of water infiltration, are transformed into effective sealing elements through their labyrinthine geometry. The same structural features that simplify manufacturing create multiple sealing interfaces that actively prevent water infiltration, converting a potential weakness into a strength
4Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple modular panels are coupled to increase wall height, then soundproofing wall effectiveness is improved, but the number of connection joints increases, worsening sound leakage through joints
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling edges are pre-formed with labyrinthine geometry during panel manufacturing, so that when panels are assembled, the soundproofing seal is automatically created without additional operations. This preliminary preparation ensures that each joint provides effective sound blocking, making the cumulative effect of multiple joints additive rather than detrimental
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
This solution reduces production costs and time, ensures watertightness, and achieves excellent acoustic sealing without additional packings, while allowing for aesthetically concealed connection joints and effective soundproofing, even with stiffening ribs at the joints.
Implementation Method 1
both the lower and upper edges have male/female shapings with a simple fixed joint and in some cases with substantially flat and regular surfaces
Implementation Method 2
an intermediate layer, interposed between the two external sheets, and made of soundabsorbing and/or soundproofing material
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
Soundabsorbing and/or soundproofing sectional module (10) for a soundproofing wall (11) comprising at least two modular panels (13) coupled together in a co-planar manner. Each modular panel (13) comprises a first external sheet (19) made of ductile material, a second external sheet (20) made of ductile material, and a middle layer (21), interposed between the first external sheet (19) and the second external sheet (20), and made of soundabsorbing and/or soundproofing material. The first external sheet (19) and the second external sheet (20) comprise respective first peripheral portions (15) reciprocally shaped so as to define at least a first coupling edge (13a), which is coupled with a corresponding second coupling edge (13b) of an adjacent modular panel (13), in order to form a connection joint (17) between the modular panels (13), at least the first peripheral portion (15) of the first external sheet (19) comprises an end bent with respect to the first coupling edge (13a) so as to form a first longitudinal rib (22), while the first peripheral portion (15) of the second external sheet (20) has an end bent over the first longitudinal rib (22) in order to form a first gripping loop (23).