Workspace wall, air purifying device, and desktop system

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Solution Overview

Problem

In shared office spaces, high noise levels hinder communication and concentration, while poor air quality increases the risk of airborne diseases due to inadequate noise reduction and air purification solutions optimized for individual workspaces.

Innovation Solution

A desktop system comprising a workspace wall with active and passive noise reduction elements, and an air purifying device that includes sound detection, generation, and optimization units, along with a noise reduction desk mat and headrest extension, to create a personalized noise reduction area and improve air quality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If active noise reduction and passive noise reduction elements are integrated into a workspace wall, then noise levels within the noise reduction area are reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines active noise reduction elements (sound generating devices) and passive noise reduction elements (absorbing materials) into a single integrated workspace wall structure. This merging of different noise reduction approaches into one unified system effectively reduces noise levels while managing the complexity through integration rather than separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The workspace wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier (passive noise reduction), generates anti-noise sound waves (active noise reduction), and defines a personalized workspace boundary. This multi-functionality addresses the noise reduction need while consolidating features into a single versatile structure.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a workspace wall with noise reduction elements is placed on a desk, then noise levels are reduced within the noise reduction area, but the weight of the object increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenoise levelsVSAvoidweight of workspace wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The noise reduction elements and sound generating devices are strategically positioned within the workspace wall structure at locations where they provide maximum acoustic benefit. This localized placement optimizes noise reduction effectiveness while minimizing the overall weight by avoiding unnecessary material throughout the entire structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The workspace wall incorporates composite construction combining rigid structural elements with lighter noise-absorbing materials and integrated sound generating components. This composite approach achieves effective noise reduction while managing the weight of the overall structure through material selection and design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Ease of operation

If the workspace wall is designed to be portable and manually portable by a single person, then ease of operation improves, but strength decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidstrength of workspace wall
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The workspace wall is designed as a modular structure that can be divided into separate sections or panels. This segmentation allows the wall to be easily assembled, disassembled, and transported by a single person, while each module maintains sufficient structural strength for its intended function. The modular design balances portability with structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reduces noise levels by up to 10 dB within the noise reduction area and enhances air quality, improving productivity and reducing the risk of airborne diseases in confined workspaces.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sound detection element, in particular a microphone, for detecting a sound signal input

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound detection: Sound

Implementation Method 2

at least one sound generating device, preferably for active noise reduction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectActive noise reduction: Sound

Implementation Method 3

and/or a passive noise reduction element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPassive noise reduction: Acoustic Absorption

Data Source

PatentEP4187165A1Workspace wall, air purifying device, and desktop system
Publication Date: 2023.05.31 WOAS SA
  • EP4187165A1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP4187165A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4187165A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a workspace wall (1) for placement on a desk to reduce noise within a noise reduction area (7) in an operating orientation (11). The workspace wall (1) comprises a main wall element (3), at least one wing panel (4), optionally at least one sound detection element (21) for detecting a sound signal input (12), and at least one sound generating device (22), preferably for active noise reduction and/or a passive noise reduction element (20). The at least one sound generating device (22) and/or the passive noise reduction element (20) is configured to reduce the level of noise within the noise reduction area (7).