Wood Ceiling Panel with Structured Surface for Sound Diffusion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wooden panels for ceilings and walls lack improved sound-insulating and sound-absorbing properties without compromising appearance, and existing wood substitute materials fail to effectively replicate the sound-influencing effects of natural wood.

Innovation Solution

A wooden panel design featuring a visible layer with a structured surface for diffuse sound scattering, brushed or blasted for aesthetic appeal, and openings extending deep into the sound absorption material for enhanced sound absorption, combined with a carrier layer of alternating slats and sound absorption material, allowing for optimal frequency distribution and improved sound absorption values.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the visible layer has a smooth surface, then the appearance is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sound scattering effect is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface processing simplicityVSAvoidsound reflection quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The visible layer surface is structured with curved or irregular patterns instead of being smooth, creating diffuse scattering surfaces that redirect sound waves in multiple directions. This curvature approach improves sound scattering effectiveness while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through techniques like brushing or blasting.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Ease of manufacture

If the openings extend only to the surface of the sound absorption material, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the sound absorption effect is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening depth processingVSAvoidsound absorption performance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The openings extend partially into the sound absorption material (at least over half the thickness) rather than just to the surface, providing deeper sound wave access to the absorbing material. This partial extension into the material achieves improved sound absorption while avoiding the complexity of complete penetration through the entire thickness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the panel thickness is increased, then the sound absorption capacity is improved, but the material cost and weight increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound absorption capacityVSAvoidpanel weight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The sound absorption material is positioned in interspaces within the carrier layer, creating a porous internal structure that provides high sound absorption capacity without increasing overall panel thickness. The porous arrangement allows sound waves to penetrate and be absorbed efficiently within a compact form factor, reducing both weight and material cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

4Adaptability or versatility

If the openings are arranged independently of the interspaces, then the design flexibility is improved, but the structural stability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveopening arrangement flexibilityVSAvoidpanel structural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The openings are arranged crosswise (perpendicularly) to the interspaces containing sound absorption material, creating an asymmetric grid pattern. This asymmetric arrangement maintains structural stability by ensuring wooden strips remain between openings and interspaces, while still allowing independent design flexibility for opening position and dimensions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 achieves high sound absorption with reduced panel thickness, leading to material and cost savings, while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing appearance, and allows for better absorption values in thinner or lighter panels, improving speech intelligibility and musical listening pleasure.

Implementation Method 1

Sound absorption material is provided in the gaps formed between adjacent individual elements

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

the visible layer has a surface on its visible side facing the room that is structured for diffuse scattering of the reflected sound

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffuse scattering: Scattering

Data Source

PatentEP2335916B1Wood panel for ceilings or walls

Publication Date: 2014.07.16 LIGNOTREND

Figure 1~2
Figure 3~7
Figure 8~9

AI summary

The timber construction board (1) has a sound absorption material (5) having gaps of a carrier layer (6) arranged crosswise to the openings (8) of a dimensioned layer (7). The dimensioned layer has surface strongly structured to diffuse dispersion of the reflected sound on their front side turned to the area.