Variable Acoustic Assembly with Rotating Side Portions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic systems lack the ability to selectively control acoustic properties in environments, failing to efficiently manage sound reflections and absorption across different configurations.
Innovation Solution
A variable acoustic system comprising two side portions, a back portion, and a variable expansion assembly, with a shell and absorbers that transition between closed and open configurations, allowing for controlled sound reflection and absorption by expanding and contracting on axis hinges, exposing or enclosing absorbers to manage incoming acoustic energy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the acoustic system uses a closed configuration with shell exposed, then sound reflection is improved, but acoustic adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic system employs movable side portions that can rotate between closed and open configurations, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This allows the system to adapt its acoustic properties by changing its physical state, resolving the contradiction between maintaining reliable sound reflection and achieving acoustic adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes its geometric parameters by rotating side portions between different angular positions. This parameter change enables transition between closed configuration (for sound reflection) and open configuration (for acoustic adaptability), allowing the system to optimize performance for different acoustic requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic system uses an open configuration with absorbers exposed, then acoustic adaptability is improved, but sound reflection deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The movable side portions enable the system to dynamically switch between open and closed states. When acoustic adaptability is needed, the system opens to expose absorbers; when sound reflection is prioritized, the system closes to expose the shell, thus resolving the contradiction through temporal separation of functions.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the angular parameter of side portions between extreme positions, the system exposes different surfaces (absorbers or shell) to incoming sound waves. This parameter control allows optimization for either adaptability or reflection depending on the operational requirement.
3Device complexity
If the acoustic system uses fixed configuration, then device complexity is reduced, but acoustic versatility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces minimal dynamic elements (rotatable side portions with hinges) to a relatively simple overall structure. This allows the system to achieve multiple acoustic functions through configuration changes rather than requiring complex multi-component assemblies, thus maintaining low device complexity while gaining acoustic versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The same physical structure serves multiple acoustic functions by changing its configuration. The side portions can be positioned to expose either reflective shell or absorptive materials, allowing one structure to perform both reflection and absorption functions, thereby achieving versatility without proportionally increasing complexity.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the acoustic system uses variable configuration with movable parts, then acoustic versatility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The acoustic system is divided into discrete modular segments (side portions, back portion, shell, absorbers) that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while the overall system achieves versatility through their relative movements, managing complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs simple rotational joints and movable connections that allow configuration changes without requiring complex actuation mechanisms. The dynamics are achieved through basic mechanical degrees of freedom rather than complex control systems, thus improving acoustic versatility while limiting the increase in device complexity.
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 system effectively reflects a larger portion of incoming acoustic energy in the closed configuration and absorbs it in the open configuration, providing adaptable acoustic properties by altering its configuration to suit specific sound management needs.
Implementation Method 1
Said shell configured to reflect more acoustic energy than said plurality of absorbers
Implementation Method 2
Said plurality of absorbers configured to absorb said incoming acoustic energy
Data Source
AI summary
A variable acoustic system for selectively controlling acoustic properties of an environment. Said variable acoustic system comprises a two side portions, a back portions and a variable expansion assembly. Said variable acoustic system further comprises a shell and a plurality of absorbers. Said variable acoustic system is configured to selectively transition through a one or more configurations. Said one or more configurations comprises at least a closed configuration and an open configuration. Said closed configuration comprises said two side portions closed with said shell exposed. Said open configuration comprises said two side portions open with a portion of said plurality of absorbers exposed. Said shell configured to reflect more acoustic energy than said plurality of absorbers. Said two side portions comprise a first side portion and a second side portion. Said two side portions each comprise at least an outer portions and a back absorbers.