Multi-glazed Window Noise Reduction Device with Hooked Membrane

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing noise reduction systems for windows, such as those described in the Carme patent, face issues with non-homogeneous membrane tension due to irregular bonding between the membrane and side walls, leading to asymmetrical deformation and reduced efficiency over time, especially under UV and thermal variations.

Innovation Solution

A multi-glazed window design featuring a vibrating membrane with hooking members at its edges that secure to complementary hooking members on the side walls, ensuring a mechanical connection that maintains homogeneous tension and is durable against environmental changes, along with a rigid piston and electromagnetic coil system for vibratory movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the membrane is bonded to the side walls using gluing, then the membrane is suspended and generates elastic restoring force, but the bonding creates irregularities at the junction resulting in uneven tension and asymmetrical deformation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound insulation efficiencyVSAvoidmembrane tension uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary component (adjustable mounting mechanism with hooks or clips) between the membrane and side walls to replace direct gluing. This intermediary allows for uniform tension distribution and adjustable positioning, eliminating the irregularities caused by bonding while maintaining secure suspension.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements an adjustable mounting mechanism that allows dynamic adjustment of membrane tension and position. This enables precise control over membrane uniformity during installation and maintenance, addressing the manufacturing precision issue while preserving reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the membrane is bonded using elastic seals, then the membrane is suspended with balanced tension, but the bond quality deteriorates over time due to UV radiation and temperature variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane tension balanceVSAvoidbond durability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the elastic seal intermediary with a more durable mounting mechanism (such as UV-resistant hooks, clips, or mechanical fasteners) that connects the membrane to the side walls. This new intermediary maintains tension balance while being resistant to environmental degradation from UV radiation and temperature variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a durable, replaceable mounting mechanism that can be easily replaced if needed, rather than relying on long-lasting but environmentally vulnerable adhesive bonds. This approach prioritizes long-term reliability through replaceability over permanent bonding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the membrane edges are folded back and fixed externally, then the membrane is suspended, but the installation process creates irregularities leading to uneven tension

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane suspension implementationVSAvoidmembrane tension uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a specialized mounting intermediary (such as a tensioning bar, adjustment mechanism, or standardized clamping system) that facilitates easy installation while ensuring uniform tension distribution. This intermediary provides a controlled interface between the membrane and mounting structure, eliminating irregularities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary tensioning and positioning features in the mounting mechanism that ensure uniform membrane tension from the outset during installation. This preliminary action prevents uneven tension development and simplifies the installation process by providing built-in alignment and tensioning guidance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design provides improved sound insulation by maintaining symmetrical membrane deformation and tension over time, enhancing noise reduction efficiency while being simple to install and resistant to degradation from environmental factors.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet arranged in said body and an electromagnet arranged on said piston, said electromagnet and said magnet being arranged to cooperate so as to induce a vibratory movement in said piston when electrically powered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Lorentz Force

Implementation Method 2

a vibrating membrane disposed between two adjacent panes of glass so as to vibrate in the air gap separating the two panes of glass

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP3371984B1Multi-glazed window incorporating a noise reduction device
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 TECHNOFIRST
  • EP3371984B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3371984B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3371984B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a multi-glazed window incorporating an active or passive noise reduction device, which device comprises at least one vibrating membrane (7) disposed between two adjacent glass panes (V1, V2) in such a way as to vibrate in the air layer separating said two glass panes, which device comprises a hollow body (1) comprising two longitudinal side walls (2) and one face of which is constituted at least partially by the membrane (7) suspended at said side walls, on either side of same, characterised by the fact that the membrane (7) has two distal edges (71) at each of which is arranged an attachment member (7a, 7'a), which attachment member (7a, 7'a) engages with a complementary attachment member (2a, 2'a) arranged on a respective side wall (2) of the body (1).