Three-Dimensional Foam Muffler for Air Moving Device Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional noise mufflers for air moving devices in heating and cooling appliances do not effectively reduce the noise emanating from these devices, which is a significant drawback.
Innovation Solution
A noise muffler comprising a housing with foam components that redirect airflow and noise in three dimensions, creating a circuitous path for sound waves to be absorbed, thereby reducing noise levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional elbows or tubes are attached to the air moving device, then the device structure is simple, but the noise emanating from the air moving device is not reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses foam components with porous structure to absorb sound waves. The foam material allows air to pass through while trapping and dissipating sound energy, achieving noise reduction without significantly increasing structural complexity. The porous foam blocks are positioned within the housing to intercept noise from the air moving device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a three-dimensional cavity structure within the housing that redirects airflow and noise in multiple directions. The foam blocks are arranged to create tortuous flow paths, converting linear noise propagation into multi-dimensional sound wave reflection and absorption, thereby enhancing noise reduction effectiveness.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If foam components are added to redirect airflow in three dimensions, then noise absorption is optimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The noise absorption function is divided into multiple foam blocks positioned at different locations within the housing. Each foam block handles specific portions of the noise spectrum or directional sound waves, allowing the system to achieve comprehensive noise reduction through modular, segmented absorption zones rather than a single complex structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a circuitous air channel is created through foam components, then noise is reduced, but airflow resistance may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The foam blocks are strategically positioned to provide noise absorption only in specific regions where sound waves are present, rather than blocking the entire airflow path. The housing design incorporates open passages that allow efficient airflow while foam blocks intercept noise in localized zones, maintaining airflow efficiency while achieving noise reduction.
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 noise muffler significantly reduces noise levels, maintaining airflow efficiency and simplifying manufacturing and assembly, as demonstrated by test data showing a reduction from 113.4 dB to 93.5 dB with urethane foam and 93.1 dB with melamine foam.
Implementation Method 1
a first foam component located within the housing and a second foam component located within the housing. The first foam component and the second foam component are configured within the housing to redirect an air flow through the cavity in three dimensions
Data Source
AI summary
A noise muffler for an air moving device can include a housing with a housing inlet, a housing outlet, and at least a first foam component and a second foam component. The first foam component and the second foam component are placed within a cavity of the housing and define an air passageway. The first foam component and the second foam component redirect air flow through the cavity in three dimensions in order to muffle noise generated by the air moving device.