Ducts comprising exoskeleton and sound-absorbing structures and vehicles using such ducts
US12013071B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 12, 2021 |
| Grant date | Jun 18, 2024 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 9, 2042 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC B)Performing Operations; Transporting
- CPC primaryB64D2013/0603
- WIPO fieldMechanical elements
- WIPO sectorMechanical engineering
Abstract
Described herein are noise attenuating ducts and vehicles using these ducts for environmental control systems. A duct comprises an exoskeleton structure and a sound-absorbing structure, disposed within and conforming to the exoskeleton structure. The exoskeleton structure provides external mechanical support to the sound-absorbing structure thereby helping to maintain the tubular shape of the sound-absorbing structure. This external support does not interfere with the airflow inside the sound-absorbing structure. Furthermore, the external positioning of the exoskeleton structure allows the integration of various support mounting features for the installation of the duct in a vehicle. In some examples, the exoskeleton structure comprises a plurality of enclosed openings to reduce the weight of the exoskeleton structure and provide additional flexibility. Furthermore, additive manufacturing of the exoskeleton structure allows achieving a monolithic structure with various features and characteristics described above.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.