Spring and Rubber Sound Isolation Assembly for Ceiling Vibration Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound isolation systems in building construction, particularly in ceiling applications, fail to effectively manage low-frequency vibrations and often require heavy materials or complex installations, with rubber isolators showing frequency limitations and high manufacturing costs.

Innovation Solution

A ceiling spring and rubber sound isolation assembly that combines a compact high-performance wave-style steel spring with natural or synthetic rubber grommets to control a broad spectrum of vibrations from 5 hertz to 10,000 hertz, providing improved noise and vibration control while reducing material usage and manufacturing complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If rubber isolators are used for vibration control, then mid-range and high-range frequencies are effectively controlled, but low-frequency vibration control is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration isolation effectivenessVSAvoidlow-frequency vibration transmission

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines steel spring and rubber isolator materials to create a composite vibration isolation system. The steel spring handles low-frequency vibrations while the rubber isolator manages mid-range and high-range frequencies, achieving broad-spectrum vibration control that neither material could achieve alone.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Reliability

If heavy dense materials are used for sound isolation, then sound transmission is reduced, but material cost and structural load increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound isolation performanceVSAvoidceiling structure weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the isolation mechanism from mass-based (heavy materials) to frequency-based (resonant frequency tuning of spring-rubber system). By adjusting spring stiffness and rubber properties, the system achieves sound isolation through vibration control rather than mass, reducing structural load while maintaining performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If resilient channels are used for sound isolation, then sound transmission is reduced, but installation space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound transmission reductionVSAvoidcavity space requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the vibration isolation function directly into the ceiling suspension assembly by nesting the spring and rubber isolator components within the existing furring channel and ceiling tile framework. This eliminates the need for separate resilient channel installations and cavity spaces, achieving sound isolation within the existing structural envelope.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If older style vibration isolation clips are used, then ceiling panels are vibrationally isolated, but manufacturing cost is high and vibration isolation performance is minimal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevibration transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces expensive older-style isolation clips with a composite spring-rubber isolator system that achieves superior vibration isolation performance at lower manufacturing cost. The combination of steel spring and rubber isolator provides both cost-effectiveness and enhanced performance compared to traditional single-material clips.

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 assembly significantly enhances noise control, reduces material and shipping costs, and simplifies installation, achieving a marked increase in noise reduction and vibration isolation with a streamlined design that is more environmentally friendly and easier to manufacture.

Implementation Method 1

a compact high-performance wave style steel spring, for the control of low frequency vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

control low frequency vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical vibration: Vibration

Implementation Method 3

rubber (natural or synthetic) to control mid-range and high end vibrations

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectViscoelasticity: Viscoelasticity

Implementation Method 4

rubber is very useful in controlling mid-range and high-range frequencies

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Implementation Method 5

provide the low frequency noise control advantages of a coil compression spring and the mid and high frequency noise control advantages of a rubber isolator

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Vibration

Data Source

PatentUS11527227B2Sound isolation assembly

Publication Date: 2022.12.13 G5 TRUST MICHAEL GERNHART TRUSTEE

AI summary

A sound isolation assembly comprising: a center ferrule; a top grommet isolator; a bottom grommet isolator; a spring; and a furring channel engagement portion. The sound isolation assembly is configured to engage with a structure and a furring channel, which itself is connected to a ceiling panel, such that the noise passing from one floor to the other is lessened as compared to a control system that does not use the sound isolation assembly. The spring may be steel and the grommet isolators may be rubber or the like, and the combination of the steel spring and grommet isolators reduces noise.