Wall Mounted Acoustic Structure with Diffuser Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sound-insulating solutions for large rooms face challenges with high complexity, weight, and questionable aesthetic qualities, failing to effectively combine sound dissipation and absorption while maintaining a high aesthetic level.

Innovation Solution

A modular, hybrid acoustic structure that combines geometrical diffuser and absorber functionalities, featuring unevenly folded wooden panels with pyramids and dilatation gaps, mounted on a metal frame with sound-insulating material, optimizing sound dissipation and absorption coefficients.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional sound-insulating panels are used, then sound insulation is improved, but device complexity and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulationVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines diffuser and absorber functionalities into a single integrated panel structure. The front face features geometric folds creating diffraction paths, while the rear face incorporates porous sound-absorbing material, eliminating the need for separate diffuser and absorber panels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The panel serves multiple acoustic functions simultaneously: the folded front surface acts as a diffuser to scatter sound waves, while the porous material in the rear cavity acts as an absorber to dissipate acoustic energy, making the single panel structure universally effective for both diffusion and absorption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple layers and complex structures are used, then sound absorption is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound absorptionVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The panel is divided into distinct functional zones: a front folded surface for diffusion, a middle cavity space, and a rear porous material layer for absorption. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently while simplifying the overall manufacturing process compared to monolithic complex structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent optimizes the cavity depth between the front and rear faces to create effective Helmholtz resonance, adjusting the geometric parameters of the folded structure to achieve desired acoustic performance without increasing structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If non-recoverable materials like mineral wool and glass wool are used, then sound insulation is improved, but loss of substance worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulationVSAvoidmaterial sustainability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs porous sound-absorbing materials that can be sourced from sustainable, recoverable resources. The porous structure is essential for acoustic absorption but can be achieved with bio-based or recyclable materials instead of non-recoverable mineral or glass wool.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #31Porous materials

Solution Approach 2:

The panel uses composite construction combining the folded front surface structure with porous absorbing material in the rear cavity, allowing the use of sustainable material combinations that maintain acoustic performance while improving environmental sustainability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

4Shape

If decorative panels with high aesthetic level are used, then appearance is improved, but sound-insulating properties deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidsound-insulating properties
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges aesthetic decorative function with acoustic functionality in a single panel. The folded front surface provides visual interest and artistic appeal while simultaneously serving as a diffuser, and the integrated rear porous layer provides sound absorption, ensuring both aesthetic and acoustic performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 significantly improves sound comfort by reducing reverberation and noise levels, enhancing the perceived room size and aesthetic appeal, while allowing flexible installation and stress relief, ensuring effective sound insulation and absorption across various frequencies.

Implementation Method 1

based on the phenomenon of dissipation of the sound wave and this type of structure is referred to as a diffuser. Inventions of this type are based on the use of uneven texture of the dissipating surface in the form of various bosses, on which sound wave diffraction occurs.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave dissipation: Diffraction

Implementation Method 2

The second type of structures improving sound insulation properties called an absorber and it is based on the process of absorbing the energy of sound waves by a sound-absorbing material. Absorbing systems are usually based on the use of one or more layers of textile materials or other porous structures.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound wave absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 3

The rear of the panel is provided with stress-relieving grooves ensuring reduction of stress of a panel, especially one made of wood or wood-derivative materials.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectStress relief: Stress Relaxation

Data Source

PatentEP3577284B1Wall mounted acoustic structure
Publication Date: 2021.04.07 EHO SPOLKA AKCYJNA
  • EP3577284B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3577284B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3577284B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject of the utility model is a wall-mounted sound-insulating system consisting of panels, preferably made of wood or wood-derivative materials and a mounting frame. The space between the panels and the wall is filled with a sound-insulating material placed between frame elements. The utility model is characterized in that the rear face of the panels (1) is provided with stress- relieving grooves (3) and the front face of the panels (1) is undulated and provided with pyramids (2), where each of the walls of each of the pyramids has a step-changing angle of inclination, between the panels (1) there are dilatation gaps (6) and the elements of the sound-insulating material (15) are placed between the vertical profiles (12) and horizontal angle bars (7), while each of the panels (1) is hanged on at least two angle bars (7) by use of hanger plates (4) provided with fixing tongues (10) inserted into horizontal slots (8) positioned in the angle bars (7), additionally, the horizontal angle bars (7) are fixed in a dismountable way by direct connection to the vertical profiles (12) provided with slanted keyways (13).