Stair Flight Impact Sound Decoupling with Dual Elastomer Layers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for impact sound decoupling in stair flights, such as PE foam boards with embedded elastomer bearings, are inadequate in achieving significant sound-insulating effects.

Innovation Solution

A structural element for stair flights featuring a foam-like insulating layer with a first elastomer embedded within, and a thinner second elastomer on its sides or bottom, providing different Shore A hardness levels and potential fiber reinforcement, enhances soundproofing by creating discontinuities and improving deformation characteristics.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a single elastomer bearing is used in the foam board, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sound-insulating effect is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidimpact sound
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The single elastomer bearing is segmented into multiple elastomer bearings arranged in parallel within the foam board. This segmentation allows each bearing to independently deform and dampen impact sounds, collectively providing superior sound insulation while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through modular assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses composite material structure by combining multiple elastomer bearings with different properties within the same foam board. This composite approach creates enhanced sound insulation performance through the synergistic effect of multiple elastomeric elements, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and sound insulation effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the elastomer bearing is made thicker to improve sound insulation, then the sound-insulating effect increases, but the deflection under load decreases and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimpact soundVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thick elastomer bearing is segmented into multiple thinner bearings arranged in parallel. Each bearing maintains optimal thickness for sound insulation while the collective arrangement provides the necessary load-bearing capacity and structural simplicity, avoiding the complexity of designing and manufacturing a single thick bearing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of increasing thickness in one dimension, the invention distributes the elastomeric material across multiple bearings in a planar arrangement. This dimensional redistribution achieves enhanced sound insulation through increased surface area and multiple deformation zones without the structural complexity and reduced deflection associated with a single thick bearing

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

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 configuration results in a significant reduction of sound levels by 3-10 dB compared to single-elastomer solutions, effectively improving soundproofing performance.

Implementation Method 1

Under the influence of a vertical force, such as footsteps on stairs, the elastomer bearing deforms vertically, a process also known as deflection. This dampens the resulting impact sound.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deflection: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

One advantage of using two elastomers with different Shore A hardnesses is the resulting (further) discontinuity, which improves sound reflection.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound reflection: Reflection

Implementation Method 3

The first elastomer has an initial thickness of 10 mm to 20 mm and undergoes a thickness reduction of 7.5–12.5% under the weight of a flight of stairs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Implementation Method 4

This dampens the resulting impact sound.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDamping: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP3715550B1Structural element for uncoupling footfall sound
Publication Date: 2023.05.24 PAKON AG
  • EP3715550B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~1(b)
  • EP3715550B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(b)
  • EP3715550B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

According to the invention, a component (100) for impact sound decoupling of stair flights is proposed, comprising an insulating bearing layer (1) that can be inserted between a stair flight (5) and a supporting floor (6) or a supporting landing (7). The insulating bearing layer (1) comprises a foam-like material layer (10) with a top (10A) and a bottom (10B) in which a first elastomer (2) is embedded. According to the invention, at least one layer of a second elastomer (3) is provided on at least one of the two sides (10A, 10B) in the region of the first elastomer (2), wherein this layer is thinner than the first elastomer (2).