Tunable Acoustic Panel with Stretched Fabric Membrane
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing acoustically absorptive systems lack aesthetically pleasing designs and the ability to effectively tune sound absorption to specific frequencies, and they are not suitable for installation in discrete areas smaller than entire walls or ceilings.
Innovation Solution
Combining a porous absorber with a membrane absorber by mounting a printable, stretched fabric on a frame, creating an additional absorption air cavity that can be tuned by adjusting the fabric type, tension, and separation from the porous absorber, allowing for selective sound frequency dampening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If porous absorbers are used for sound absorption, then sound absorption effectiveness is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines a porous absorber (foam panel) with a membrane absorber (stretched fabric) into a single integrated panel system. The fabric is stretched over the foam panel and secured to a frame, creating a composite structure that provides both acoustic functionality and aesthetic appeal through printable designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a stretched fabric membrane as the front surface of the acoustic panel. This thin film is tensioned over the foam panel and secured to the frame, creating a taut surface that can be printed with designs while allowing sound waves to pass through to the absorptive material behind it.
2Reliability
If traditional acoustic panels are used, then sound absorption is provided, but the ability to tune to specific frequencies is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a dynamic acoustic system where the fabric tension can be adjusted to change the resonant frequency of the membrane absorber. By varying the tension in the stretched fabric, the panel can be tuned to absorb specific frequency ranges, making the system adaptable to different acoustic requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the membrane absorber system, specifically adjusting the tension of the stretched fabric and the depth of the air cavity between the fabric and foam panel. These parameter adjustments allow tuning of the resonant frequency to target specific sound frequencies for absorption.
3Shape
If stretched fabric acoustic absorbers are used, then aesthetic flexibility is improved, but installation in discrete areas becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic treatment into discrete, modular panels rather than requiring full-wall coverage. Each panel is a self-contained unit with a frame, foam panel, and stretched fabric that can be independently manufactured and installed in specific locations throughout a space.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal panel system that combines multiple functions: acoustic absorption, aesthetic display surface, and discrete area installation capability. The standardized frame and panel construction allows the same basic design to be used throughout a space while being installable in individual locations rather than requiring complete wall coverage.
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 solution provides enhanced sound absorption capabilities, aesthetic flexibility through printable designs, and the ability to install in smaller areas, improving sound quality and aesthetics by tuning the panel's absorption properties.
Implementation Method 1
the absorptive effect of the porous absorbers is based on the fact that sound is able to enter the open structures of the material where, due to the friction of air particles, the sound energy is converted into thermal energy at the surface of the pores
Implementation Method 2
The combination of a membrane absorber and adjacent air space works as a mass-spring system in which mass is provided by the membrane and the associated air space and a spring property results from the spring-like quality of the membrane and the stiffness of the air together
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustically absorptive panel comprises a forward airspace bounded by an acoustically transparent front fabric stretch-mounted on a support frame, and the front face of a porous acoustical absorber, the forward air space, the front fabric and the porous absorber collectively acting as acoustical absorbing chamber, wherein oppositely disposed end panels of the front fabric extend around opposing side frame members of one or more frame structures of the support frame and are connected to a pair of spaced apart retaining struts disposed between the side frame members, the distance between the retaining struts adjustable by rotating one or more threaded tension adjusters thereby stretching or relaxing the front fabric across the support frame to adjust the frequency at which sound absorption will be maximized.