Wall Panel Assemblies With Gaps for Low-Frequency Noise Absorption
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Urban environments face challenges in managing low-frequency acoustic noise, which can travel long distances and be difficult to address at the source, affecting health and wellbeing, especially in residential and office buildings where people spend extended hours.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a plurality of panels positioned along a wall with spaced gaps to absorb and reduce low-frequency acoustic noise by canceling and dissipating it in gaps between panels, using porous materials like fibre cement with specific dimensions and gaps to minimize reflection and transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If panels are positioned close together to cover the wall, then wall coverage is improved, but low-frequency acoustic noise absorption deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The wall covering is segmented into multiple discrete panels with intentional gaps between them. The panels are positioned at specific distances from each other (peripheral gaps) and from the wall (wall gaps), creating a segmented structure that allows low-frequency acoustic noise to enter and be absorbed within the gap spaces, while still providing substantial wall coverage
Solution Approach 2:
The panel bodies are made from porous materials such as fibre cement, which contain interconnected voids and pores throughout their structure. This porosity allows low-frequency acoustic noise waves to penetrate into the panel material and be absorbed through friction and viscous losses within the porous structure, converting acoustic energy into thermal energy
2Object-affected harmful factors
If panels are spaced apart to absorb low-frequency acoustic noise, then noise absorption is improved, but wall coverage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The solution moves from a two-dimensional surface coverage problem to a three-dimensional volume utilization problem. By creating wall gaps and peripheral gaps, the system utilizes the space between panels and between panels and the wall to absorb noise, transforming the coverage approach from purely surface-based to volume-based acoustic treatment
3Area of stationary object
If traditional solid wall covering is used, then wall coverage is improved, but low-frequency acoustic noise reflection and transmission worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of low-frequency acoustic noise into a beneficial absorption process. By positioning panels at specific distances from the wall, acoustic noise that would normally reflect off the wall is instead directed into the wall gaps and peripheral gaps, where it is absorbed and dissipated, transforming reflected noise energy into absorbed energy
Solution Approach 2:
The wall gaps and peripheral gaps act as intermediary spaces between the external acoustic environment and the interior building space. These gap spaces serve as transition zones where low-frequency acoustic noise is captured, absorbed, and attenuated before it can reflect back or transmit through the wall structure
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
Significant reduction of low-frequency acoustic noise is achieved, improving acoustic conditions within and outside buildings, particularly in the range of 20 to 100 Hertz, enhancing wellbeing and reducing noise levels.
Implementation Method 1
realising in the wall gap and/or the peripheral gap, by means of the positioning of the plurality of panels, absorption of low-frequency acoustic noise
Implementation Method 2
using porous materials like fibre cement
Implementation Method 3
absorption of low-frequency acoustic noise that is generated outside of the building and that propagated towards the wall to reach the wall gap and/or the peripheral gap
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Method of covering at least part of a wall (4) of a building by means of a plurality of panels. Individual panels (2) each include a panel body (6) and have a panel front surface, a panel back surface, and a panel peripheral surface (12). The method includes positioning the plurality of panels along the wall (4). The panel bodies are spaced apart from each other for having a peripheral gap (14) between the panel bodies (6). At least part of the panel back surfaces are spaced apart from the wall (4) for having a wall gap (16) between the panel bodies (6) and the wall (4). The method includes realising in the wall gap (16) and/or the peripheral gap (14) absorption of low-frequency acoustic noise (18) that is generated outside of the building and that propagated towards the wall (4) to reach the wall gap (16) and/or the peripheral gap (14).