Traffic Noise Diffractor With Self-Draining Resonators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound diffraction systems for traffic noise reduction, such as resonators, face issues with rainwater penetration affecting acoustic properties and safety concerns for two-wheeled vehicles, and require complex constructions and high maintenance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of throughflow openings in the intermediate walls of diffraction elements allows for effective drainage of rainwater without compromising sound attenuation, and the arrangement of diffraction elements with decreasing recess depths and strategically placed throughflow openings ensures efficient water drainage and improved sound diffraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If resonators are used for sound diffraction, then sound attenuation is improved, but rainwater penetration compromises acoustic properties
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure is segmented into multiple chambers separated by intermediate walls. Each chamber can be independently drained through throughflow openings in the intermediate walls, preventing water accumulation that would compromise acoustic properties while maintaining the overall sound diffraction function.
Solution Approach 2:
Throughflow openings act as intermediary elements that allow controlled water drainage between chambers. These openings enable rainwater to escape from the resonator chambers without directly exposing the acoustic interior to external water, thus maintaining acoustic performance during rainfall.
2Reliability
If resonators are used for sound diffraction, then sound attenuation is improved, but safety hazards for two-wheeled vehicles occur
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the resonator into multiple smaller chambers with intermediate walls, the structure prevents two-wheeled vehicles from penetrating deeply into the resonator system. The segmented design creates physical barriers that reduce safety hazards while preserving the acoustic diffraction effect through the throughflow openings.
3Reliability
If noise-reducing screens are used, then sound attenuation is improved, but construction complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure with throughflow openings is self-draining, automatically managing rainwater removal without requiring external pumping or complex drainage infrastructure. This self-service capability reduces construction complexity and maintenance requirements compared to traditional noise screens.
4Reliability
If noise-reducing screens are used, then sound attenuation is improved, but wind forces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resonator structure with throughflow openings functions as a porous acoustic device that allows wind to pass through rather than creating high pressure differential forces. This porous design significantly reduces wind loads compared to solid noise-reducing screens while maintaining sound attenuation through acoustic diffraction mechanisms.
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 enhances sound attenuation in the relevant frequency range, maintains acoustic performance during rainfall, and reduces the risk of safety hazards for vehicles, while also providing a visually unobstructive and durable solution.
Implementation Method 1
These resonators are not configured to cause sound absorption but provide for an effective diffraction of the sound incident in substantially shearing manner from the sound sources. The resonators create a diffracting effect which depends on the associated resonance frequency of the air in the resonator.
Implementation Method 2
the resonators create a diffracting effect which depends on the associated resonance frequency of the air in the resonator
Implementation Method 3
The intermediate walls between adjacent resonators are open towards the bottom in order to enable drainage of rainwater which may have penetrated the resonators
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
The invention relates to a diffractor for diffracting sound of traffic on a travel surface, the diffractor comprising at least one diffraction plate to be disposed laterally beside the travel surface, wherein the diffraction plate is provided with a pattern of recesses in the upper surface thereof for the purpose of diffracting the traffic noise in a direction which differs from the lateral direction, wherein each of the recesses is divided into individual resonators by intermediate walls provided in the recesses, wherein the recesses have acoustically substantially non-absorbing walls and are free of acoustically absorbing material, and wherein the intermediate walls between adjacent resonators comprise at least one throughflow opening along which the rainwater can flow from the one resonator to the other.