ACOUSTIC PANEL DEVICE AND RELATED SYSTEM AND METHOD

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0001] Generally the present invention relates to acoustic panels. In particular, the present invention pertains to acoustic panel devices, systems and methods with movable elements for managing the acoustic properties of a space.

BACKGROUND

[0002] Today there are specific requirements for rooms and spaces. Many spaces such as auditoriums, concert halls or arenas need to serve different type of events. For example, an auditorium needs to be able to provide a space for lectures suitable for a speaking acoustic setting. To be able to utilize the space to the maximum the space needs to be suitable for other type of events as well such as music concerts. The requirements for an acoustic setting for a lecture may vary much from the acoustic settings for a music concert. Even the different types of music concerts (classic, rock) may have very different requirements.

[0003] Acoustic properties are also very important for restaurants, halls and other function rooms serving festivities and other type of events. The owner or holder of the space may have strict requirements for designers and architects. The spaces may need to be easily modified so that the spaces may be utilized as much as possible.

[0004] Various soft elements can provide sound absorbing effects to a space. Soft elements absorb sound waves and thus contribute with absorbing properties to the space. On the other hand, flat (hard) surfaces provide reflective effects to a space as soundwaves reflect from flat surfaces. Uneven surfaces, in turn, provide diffusing effects to the sound waves.

[0005] There are many ways to affect the acoustic properties of a space by placing different elements in various locations. For example, reflective surfaces may be arranged behind the space to reflect sound to an audience, whereas absorbing elements may be scattered in the space for example in the ceiling and along the sides of the space.

[0006] However, spaces need to be easily and quickly modified to serve different type of events. Today there are movable elements that may be added or removed from a space to change the acoustic properties in the space. The elements may for example be soft, hard or inflatable elements. However, moving elements in and out from a space requires manpower and is time-consuming.

[0007] One problem is that several acoustic elements are fixed, separate components. In other words, in order to increase the absorbing properties of the space, more soft elements have to be introduced. If reflective or diffusing properties want to be added, flat or uneven elements must be brought into the space. Many acoustic elements today require fastening to the ceiling or walls which is laborious and time-consuming.

[0008] The spaces today also have strict requirements on design. So adding or removing various acoustic elements may have a negative effect on the original design. Therefore, there exists a need to be able to easily change the acoustic settings in a room/space without affecting the original design of the space.

[0009] Documents JP S61 11199 U and JP H04 197288 A are known from the prior art. Both documents disclose acoustic panel devices with acoustic elements. However, both documents disclose a solution that enables only two different acoustic modes. Neither document discloses a solution that enables three different acoustic modes, i.e. absorbing, reflecting and diffusing.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0010] The objective is to at least alleviate the problems described hereinabove not satisfactorily solved by the known arrangements, and to provide a feasible solution for acoustic management of a space. One objective is to provide a device that allows three different acoustic modes, an absorbing mode, a reflecting mode and a diffusing mode so that a user may independently manage the acoustics of a space by adjusting the device between the different modes. Another objective is to provide a device that allows managing the acoustic properties of a space without affecting the original design of the space. A third objective is to allow managing acoustic properties of a space without manually moving objects.

[0011] The aforesaid objectives are achieved by the embodiments of a device, system and method in accordance with the present invention.

[0012] The aforesaid objectives are achieved with a device according to the present invention as claimed in claim 1.

[0013] The aforesaid objectives are achieved with a method according to the present invention as claimed in claim 10.

[0014] Accordingly, in one aspect of the present invention an acoustic panel device for acoustic management of a space comprises

• a front panel comprising at least one aperture,
• a back plate comprising at least one acoustic element extending from the back plate,

wherein the back plate and front panel are movable relative to each other so that the at least one acoustic element is movable through the at least one aperture, wherein the at least one aperture is open when the at least one acoustic element is behind the front panel, the at least one aperture is closed when the at least one acoustic element is on the same level with the front panel, and an uneven surface is formed when the at least one acoustic element extends through the at least one aperture.

[0015] In one embodiment the front panel comprises multiple apertures such as two, three or five apertures. Accordingly, in some embodiments the back plate comprises multiple acoustic elements extending from the back plate.

[0016] In one embodiment the acoustic elements extend to a distance from the back plate. In one embodiment the acoustic elements are elongated bars extending from the back plate. In one embodiment the bars extend vertically. In another embodiment the bars extend horizontally.

[0017] In one embodiment the device comprises at least three modes, a sound absorbing mode, a sound reflecting mode and a sound diffusing mode. In one embodiment, in the sound absorbing mode, the at least one acoustic element is behind the front panel so that the at least one aperture is open. In one embodiment, in the sound reflecting mode, the at least one aperture is closed, when the at least one acoustic element is on the same level with the front panel. In one embodiment, in the sound diffusing mode, an uneven surface is formed when the at least one acoustic element extends through the at least one aperture.

[0018] In one embodiment the at least one acoustic element has the same shape as the at least one aperture so that the at least one acoustic element forms a flat surface together with the front panel when the at least one acoustic element is on the same level with the front panel, and so that the at least one acoustic element fits through the at least one aperture when the at least one acoustic element extends in front of the front panel.

[0019] In one embodiment the apertures are open when the back plate is in a rear position, the front panel and the acoustic elements form together a flat surface when the back plate is in a middle position, and the acoustic elements form an uneven surface in front of the front panel by extending through the apertures when the back plate is in the front position.

[0020] In one embodiment the back plate is movable with an electric motor. Alternatively, the back plate is movable with hydraulic or pneumatic means.

[0021] In one embodiment the back plate comprises sound absorbing material to enhance sound absorption. For example, a layer of material may be arranged to the back plate.

[0022] In one embodiment the device comprises a casing that surrounds the back plate for creating a closed space where sound waves may enter.

[0023] In one embodiment the back plate, front panel, acoustic elements and/or casing are made of wood.

[0024] In one embodiment the device comprises electronic means allowing wireless control of the acoustic panel device.

[0025] Another aspect of the present invention concerns a method for acoustic management of a space using said acoustic panel device and comprising:

• opening at least one aperture for absorbing sound waves,
• closing the at least one aperture for reflecting sound waves, and
• arranging at least one acoustic element through the at least one aperture for diffusing sound waves.

[0026] In one embodiment the method comprises arranging a back plate in a rear position so that the at least one acoustic element is behind the front panel for absorbing sound waves, arranging the back plate in a middle position so that the at least one acoustic element is on the same level with the front panel so that the at least one acoustic element forms a flat surface together with the front panel for reflecting sound waves and arranging the back plate in a front position so that the at least one acoustic element extends through the at least one aperture for diffusing sound waves.

[0027] The utility of the present invention follows from a plurality of factors depending on each particular embodiment. Some embodiments of the invention may allow changing an acoustic device between an absorbing mode, reflecting mode and a diffusing mode. With some embodiments of the present invention the acoustic properties of a space may be changed without manually moving objects. The acoustic properties may be quickly changed depending on the requirements for an event taking place in the space. A user may independently control the space acoustics. Some embodiments may allow wireless control of the acoustic properties of a space. Some embodiments may not change the overall appearance of a space even though acoustic properties are changed.

[0028] The expression "a number of" refers herein to any positive integer starting from one (1), e.g. to one, two, or three.

[0029] The expression "a plurality of' refers herein to any positive integer starting from two (2), e.g. to two, three, or four.

[0030] Different embodiments of the present invention are disclosed in the dependent claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE RELATED DRAWINGS

[0031] Next the invention is described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings in which

Fig. 1 illustrates an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the rear position.

Fig. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the middle position.

Fig. 3 illustrates an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the front position.

Fig. 4 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the rear position.

Fig. 5 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the middle position.

Fig. 6 illustrates a side view of an embodiment of the acoustic panel device with the back plate in the front position.

Fig. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a system in accordance with the present invention.

Fig. 8 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EMBODIMENTS

[0032] Referring to figures 1-3, the acoustic panel device 100 comprises a front panel 102 comprising six elongated apertures 104. The front panel may comprise any number of apertures such as two, three or eight. The apertures may also differ in shape and/or size depending on each embodiment. For example, the apertures may be elongated, circular and/or squares.

[0033] The acoustic panel device 100 comprises a back plate 106 comprising six elongated acoustic elements 108 extending from the back plate. The acoustic elements 108 may vary in shape and/or size depending on each embodiment. The acoustic elements are preferably essentially the same shape and size as the apertures 104 so that the acoustic elements may move through the apertures, but may also form a flat surface together with the front panel when the acoustic elements are on the same level with the front panel.

[0034] Preferably, the acoustic elements 108 extend from the back plate 106 so that the acoustic elements are movable behind the front panel 102 so that the apertures 104 open, and also so that the acoustic elements extend through the front panel 102 when the back plate 106 is moved in the front position. Preferably, the acoustic elements 108 extend 5-50 cm from the back plate.

[0035] In figures 1 and 4, the back plate 106 is in its rear position so that the acoustic elements 108 are behind the front panel. When the back plate is in the rear position, the acoustic panel device 100 is in an absorber mode. The apertures are open as the acoustic elements 108 are behind the front panel 102. Sound waves may enter the device. The back plate may comprise a layer of sound absorbing material 110 such as acoustic wool, acoustic (peat) fiber, acoustic foam and/or PE-foam to enhance sound absorption.

[0036] In figures 2 and 5, the back plate 106 is in a middle position so that the acoustic elements 108 are on the same level with the front panel 102, forming a flat surface with the front panel. When the back plate is in the middle position, the acoustic panel device 100 is in a reflector mode. Sound waves may reflect from the flat surface.

[0037] In figures 3 and 6, the back plate 106 is in a front position so that the acoustic elements 108 are in front of the front panel 102. In the front position the acoustic elements 108 extend through the apertures 104.

[0038] Preferably the back plate 106 is movable in relation to the front panel 102. Alternatively, in some embodiments, the device may be configured so that the front panel 102 is movable in relation to the back plate 106.

[0039] Referring to figures 4-6, the acoustic panel device 100 comprises a casing 112 that surrounds the back plate 106 creating a closed space for the device so that sound waves may enter the device when the back plate is in the rear position and the apertures are open.

[0040] Preferably, an electric motor 114 is arranged behind the back plate 106 so that the back plate is movable with the motor. Alternatively, hydraulic and/or pneumatic means may be arranged to move the back plate. The device may comprise an interface such as a control panel or a simple button for controlling the movement of the back plate. Alternatively, the back plate is manually movable, comprising a manually operated lever or handle, for example.

[0041] The front panel 102, back plate 106, acoustic elements 108 and/or casing 112 are preferably made of wood. Alternatively, the parts are made of some other hard and/or durable material such as plastic, wood based board (e.g. chip board, MDF), plastic composites, aluminum, steel and/or hard cardboard. Sound/acoustic properties can be affected with different material selections. Acoustic properties may be affected by selecting different wood types as well.

[0042] Referring to figure 7, according to a system 201 of the present invention the acoustic panel device 200 is controlled wirelessly with electronic means 220 such as a smartphone, tablet computer or laptop. Alternatively, the system comprises other wireless electronic means for controlling the acoustic panel device such as radio remote control with a dedicated remote control device. Preferably, the electronic means are configured to control the electric motor that moves the back plate. Alternatively, hydraulic and/or pneumatic means are controlled with the electronic means.

[0043] Figure 8 is a flow diagram of an embodiment of a method in accordance with the present invention.

[0044] At method start-up 302, preparatory actions may take place. This may include setting up an acoustic panel device, and/or a system comprising means for controlling the acoustic panel device.

[0045] At 304, soundwaves are absorbed. The step may comprise moving a back plate and/or acoustic elements in a rear position to open apertures for soundwaves to enter an acoustic panel device.

[0046] At 306, soundwaves are reflected. The step may include moving a back plate and/or acoustic elements in a middle position so that a flat surface is formed.

[0047] At 308, soundwaves are diffused. The step may include moving a back plate and/or acoustic elements in a front position so that an uneven surface is formed.

[0048] As is understood, the three method steps or modes do not always take place in the presented order. The dotted lines in figure 8 represent that embodiments of the method includes steps in varying order.

[0049] At 310, the method execution is ended.

[0050] Consequently, a skilled person may on the basis of this disclosure and general knowledge apply the provided teachings in order to implement the scope of the present invention as defined by the appended claims in each particular use case with necessary modifications, deletions, and additions.

Claims

1. An acoustic panel device (100) for acoustic management of a space comprising

- a front panel (102) comprising at least one aperture (104),

- a back plate (106) comprising at least one acoustic element (108) extending from the back plate (106),

wherein the back plate (106) and front panel (102) are movable relative to each other so that the at least one acoustic element (108) is movable through the at least one aperture (104), whereby the at least one aperture (104) is closed when the at least one acoustic element (108) is on the same level with the front panel (102) and an uneven surface is formed when the at least one acoustic element (108) extends through the at least one aperture (104), characterized in that the at least one aperture (104) is open when the at least one acoustic element (108) is behind the front panel (102).

2. The device of claim 1, wherein the device comprises a sound absorbing mode, a sound reflecting mode and a sound diffusing mode.

3. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one acoustic element (108) has the same shape as the at least one aperture (104) so that the at least one acoustic element (108) forms a flat surface together with the front panel (102) when the at least one acoustic element (108) is on the same level with the front panel (102), and so that the at least one acoustic element (108) fits through the at least one aperture (104) when the at least one acoustic element (108) extends in front of the front panel (102).

4. The device of any preceding claim, comprising an electric motor (114) for moving the back plate (106).

5. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the back plate (106) comprises sound absorbing material (110).

6. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the at least one acoustic element (108) is an elongated bar.

7. The device of any preceding claim, comprising a casing (112) that surrounds the back plate (106) for creating a closed space so that sound waves may enter the closed space.

8. The device of any preceding claim, wherein the front panel (102), back plate (106), at least one acoustic element (108) and/or casing (112) are made of wood.

9. The device (100) of any preceding claim, comprising electronic means for allowing wireless control of the device.

10. A method for acoustic management of a space using an acoustic panel device (100) according to anyone of the claims 1 to 9 and comprising

- opening at least one aperture (104) for absorbing sound waves,

- closing the at least one aperture (104) for reflecting sound waves, and

- arranging at least one acoustic element (108) through the at least one aperture (104) for diffusing sound waves.

11. The method of claim 10, comprising arranging a back plate (106) in a rear position so that the at least one acoustic element (108) is behind the front panel (102) for absorbing sound waves, arranging the back plate (106) in a middle position so that the at least one acoustic element (108) is on the same level with the front panel (102) so that the at least one acoustic element (108) forms a flat surface together with the front panel (102) for reflecting sound waves and arranging the back plate (106) in a front position so that the at least one acoustic element (108) extends through the at least one aperture (104) for diffusing sound waves.

Ansprüche

1. Akustikpanelvorrichtung (100) zum Akustikmanagement eines Raums, aufweisend

- ein vorderes Panel (102), aufweisend mindestens eine Öffnung (104),

- eine hintere Platte (106), aufweisend mindestens ein Akustikelement (108), das sich von der hinteren Platte (106) aus erstreckt,

wobei die hintere Platte (106) und das vordere Panel (102) relativ zueinander beweglich sind, sodass das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) beweglich ist, wodurch
die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) geschlossen ist, wenn sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) auf derselben Ebene wie das vordere Panel (102) befindet und eine unebene Fläche gebildet wird, wenn sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) erstreckt, dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) offen ist, wenn sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) hinter dem vorderen Panel (102) befindet.

2. Vorrichtung aus Anspruch 1, wobei die Vorrichtung einen Schallabsorptionsmodus, einen Schallreflektionsmodus und einen Schallzerstreuungsmodus umfasst.

3. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) dieselbe Form aufweist wie die mindestens eine Öffnung (104), sodass das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) zusammen mit dem vorderen Panel (102) eine flache Fläche bildet, wenn sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) auf derselben Ebene wie das vordere Panel (102) befindet, und sodass das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) passt, wenn sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) vor dem vorderen Panel (102) erstreckt.

4. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, aufweisend einen Elektromotor (114) zum Bewegen der hinteren Platte (106).

5. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die hintere Platte (106) schallabsorbierendes Material (110) umfasst.

6. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) eine verlängerte Stange ist.

7. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, aufweisend ein Gehäuse (112), das die hintere Platte (106) umgibt, um einen geschlossenen Raum zu erzeugen, sodass Schallwellen in den geschlossenen Raum eintreten können.

8. Vorrichtung aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei das vordere Panel (102), die hintere Platte (106), mindestens ein Akustikelement (108) und/oder das Gehäuse (112) aus Holz sind.

9. Vorrichtung (100) aus einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, aufweisend elektronische Mittel, um drahtlose Steuerung der Vorrichtung zu erlauben.

10. Verfahren zum Schallmanagement eines Raums unter Verwendung einer Akustikpanelvorrichtung (100) aus einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 9 und umfassend

- das Öffnen von mindestens einer Öffnung (104) zum Absorbieren von Schallwellen,

- das Schließen von mindestens einer Öffnung (104) zum Reflektieren von Schallwellen, und

- das Anordnen von mindestens einem Akustikelement (108) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) zum Zerstreuen von Schallwellen.

11. Verfahren aus Anspruch 10, umfassend das Anordnen einer hinteren Platte (106) in einer hinteren Position, sodass sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) hinter dem vorderen Panel (102) befindet, um Schallwellen zu absorbieren, Anordnen der hinteren Platte (106) in einer mittleren Position, sodass sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) auf derselben Ebene wie das vordere Panel (102) befindet, sodass das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) zusammen mit dem vorderen Panel (102) eine flache Fläche bildet, um Schallwellen zu reflektieren und die hintere Platte (106) in einer vorderen Position anzuordnen, sodass sich das mindestens eine Akustikelement (108) durch die mindestens eine Öffnung (104) erstreckt, um Schallwellen zu zerstreuen.

Revendications

1. Dispositif de panneau acoustique (100) pour la gestion acoustique d'un espace comprenant

- un panneau avant (102) comportant au moins une ouverture (104),

- une plaque arrière (106) comprenant au moins un élément acoustique (108) s'étendant depuis la plaque arrière (106),

dans lequel la plaque arrière (106) et le panneau avant (102) sont mobiles l'un par rapport à l'autre de sorte qu'au moins un l'élément acoustique (108) soit mobile à travers au moins une ouverture (104), moyennant quoi
au moins une ouverture (104) est fermée lorsque au moins un élément acoustique (108) est au même niveau que le panneau avant (102) et une surface inégale est formée lorsque au moins un élément acoustique (108) s'étend à travers au moins une ouverture (104), caractérisé en ce que au moins une ouverture (104) est ouverte lorsque au moins un élément acoustique (108) est derrière le panneau avant (102).

2. Dispositif selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le dispositif comprend un mode d'absorption du son, un mode de réflexion du son et un mode de diffusion du son.

3. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins un élément acoustique (108) a la même forme que la au moins une ouverture (104) de sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) forme une surface plane avec le panneau avant (102) lorsque au moins un élément acoustique (108) est au même niveau que le panneau avant (102), et de sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) passe à travers au moins une ouverture (104) lorsque au moins un élément acoustique (108) s'étend devant le panneau avant (102).

4. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un moteur électrique (114) pour déplacer la plaque arrière (106).

5. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la plaque arrière (106) comprend un matériau absorbant le son (110).

6. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel au moins un élément acoustique (108) est une barre allongée.

7. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant un boîtier (112) qui entoure la plaque arrière (106) pour créer un espace fermé de sorte que des ondes sonores puissent pénétrer dans l'espace fermé.

8. Dispositif selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel le panneau avant (102), la plaque arrière (106), au moins un élément acoustique (108) et/ou le boîtier (112) sont en bois.

9. Dispositif (100) selon une quelconque des revendications précédentes, comprenant des moyens électroniques pour permettre une commande sans fil du dispositif.

10. Procédé de gestion acoustique d'un espace utilisant un dispositif de panneau acoustique (100) et comprenant de

- ouvrir au moins une ouverture (104) pour absorber les ondes sonores,

- fermer au moins une ouverture (104) pour réfléchir les ondes sonores, et

- disposer au moins un élément acoustique (108) à travers au moins une ouverture (104) pour diffuser des ondes sonores.

11. Procédé selon la revendication 10, comprenant de disposer une plaque arrière (106) dans une position arrière de sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) se trouve derrière le panneau avant (102) pour absorber les ondes sonores, disposer la plaque arrière (106) en une position médiane de telle sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) soit au même niveau que le panneau avant (102) de sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) forme une surface plane avec le panneau avant (102) pour réfléchir les ondes sonores et disposer la plaque arrière (106) dans une position avant de sorte que au moins un élément acoustique (108) s'étende à travers au moins une ouverture (104) pour diffuser des ondes sonores.

Drawing