US20240060301A1

US20240060301A1 - Centralized appliance hubs with improved acoustic performance and related methods

Info

Publication number: US20240060301A1
Application number: US18/452,456
Authority: US
Inventors: Jay Martin; Erik Hanson; James Rooney; Josh Bolton; Jon McClure; Erik Miller-Klein
Original assignee: Overcast Innovations LLC
Current assignee: Overcast Innovations LLC
Priority date: 2022-08-19
Filing date: 2023-08-18
Publication date: 2024-02-22
Also published as: WO2024040250A1

Abstract

The present technology is generally directed to centralized appliance hubs with enhanced acoustic performance and related methods. In at least some embodiments, an appliance hub includes a frame, one or more panels attached to the first side of the frame, and an insulating layer attached to the second side of the frame opposite the first side. The insulating layer can be tuned or otherwise configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound within a first frequency range, and all or a subset of the one or more panels can be configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound within a second frequency range different than the frequency range. In some embodiments, at least one of the panels may be made of a perforated metal having perforations arranged in a manner to attenuate sound within the predetermined frequency range.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to U.S. Prov. App. No. 63/399,632, filed Aug. 19, 2022, and titled “CENTRALIZED APPLIANCE HUBS WITH IMPROVED ACOUSTIC PERFORMANCE AND RELATED METHODS,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present technology generally relates to centralized appliance hubs with improved acoustic performance and related methods.

BACKGROUND

In many newly constructed or remodeled structures, designers, architects, and/or building owners elect to avoid the use of traditional drop ceilings, often in favor of maintaining visibility of the structural components of the enclosure ceiling. Forgoing use of drop ceilings can lead to several challenges. These challenges include reducing or mitigating sound propagation and providing sufficient lighting, climate control structure, and/or other supporting hardware while reducing or avoiding prominence of unsightly wiring and ducting.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Many aspects of the present technology can be better understood with reference to the following drawings. The components in the drawings are not necessarily to scale. Instead, emphasis is placed on illustrating clearly the principles of the present technology.

FIG. 1A is a front view of an appliance hub configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the appliance hub of FIG. 1A taken along section line 1B-1B.

FIG. 2 is a table of acoustic test data for appliance hubs configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 3 is a graph of acoustic test data for appliance hubs configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 4 illustrates experimental data from a nomogram test of various configurations of perforations in an appliance hub, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 5A-5E illustrate respective testing arrangements of a plurality of appliance hubs within a room, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIGS. 6A and 6B are front, and side views, respectively, of another appliance hub configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of yet another appliance hub configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

FIG. 8 is a perspective view of a further appliance hub configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Aspects of the present disclosure are directed to centralized appliance hubs with enhanced acoustic performance and related methods. In at least some embodiments, an appliance hub includes a frame, one or more panels coupled to the first side of the frame, and an insulating layer coupled to a second side of the frame opposite the first side. The insulating layer can be tuned or otherwise configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound at a first frequency or in a first frequency range, and all or a subset of the one or more panels can be configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound at a second frequency or in a second frequency range, different than the first frequency/frequency range. For example, the first frequency/frequency range can correspond to a lower end of a speech frequency range (e.g., up to 500 Hz) and the second frequency/frequency range can correspond to a relatively higher end of the speech frequency range (e.g., greater than 2,000 Hz). The one or more panels and/or the insulating layer may absorb/attenuate sound generally, at the first frequency/frequency range and the second frequency/frequency range, and/or at other frequencies, but the insulating layer can be configured to have improved absorption/attenuation in the first frequency range (e.g., relative to the one or more panels) and/or the one or more panels can be configured to have improved absorption/attenuation in the second frequency range (e.g., relative to the insulating layer). In some embodiments, to achieve the desired acoustic performance, a thickness and/or a material composition of the insulating layer and/or the one or more panels can be tuned or otherwise selected to attenuate sounds within the respective first and second frequencies/frequency ranges. In at least some embodiments, appliance hubs configured in accordance with the present technology are expected to have improved sound absorption and/or reduced reverberation time when placed in building room environments, and/or operate with better than expected noise reduction efficacy.
Specific details of several embodiments of appliance hubs for use in enclosures, as well as associated systems and methods, are described below. As used herein, a “room” or an “enclosure” can be an enclosed or partially enclosed space, including spaces having full ceilings, partial ceilings, no ceilings, complete wall perimeters, partial-perimeter walls (e.g., one of more open sides), and/or other indoor or partially indoor spaces. The appliance hubs of the present technology, which can also sometimes be referred to as clouds or acoustic clouds, can be positioned in the upper portions of enclosures, such as suspended from or mounted to a ceiling. The appliance hubs can be installed such that they do not create plenum within the enclosure. In some embodiments, the space between the appliance hubs and each other and/or the ceiling can allow for additional/increased light (e.g., sunlight) to fill a space than would be the case if the appliance hubs formed a plenum. In some applications, the appliance hubs can be mounted along or near a wall of an enclosure, in addition to or instead of having one or more appliance hubs mounted to the ceiling. The rooms/enclosures can include, but are not limited to, classrooms, offices, concert halls, foyers, cafeterias, restaurants, residential rooms, hallways, warehouses, etc.
Appliance hubs can be installed in original construction projects or retrofitted to existing structure or enclosure. In addition to providing acoustic insulation, the appliance hubs of the present technology can also include one or more devices configured to regulate an environment within a room and/or provide other functionality. Examples of these devices include one or more climate control apparatuses configured to regulate a temperature within the room (e.g., diffusers, forced air ducts, chilled beams, etc.), one or more lighting elements configured to provide light within the room (e.g., downlights, uplights, etc.), one or more fire suppression apparatuses configured to suppress flames within the room (e.g., fire sprinklers), a plurality of fluid lines configured to provide fluid service and return to one or both of the fire suppression apparatus and the climate control apparatus, and/or a plurality of electrical connections configured to provide electrical power and/or data to at least one of the climate control apparatuses, the fire suppression apparatuses, and the one or more lighting elements. As used herein, “fluid” refers to one or both of a liquid (e.g., water, refrigerant, etc.) and a gas (air, conditioned air, etc.). Additionally, or alternatively, the devices can include one or more communication devices (e.g., wireless access points, routers, speakers, microphones, etc.) sound level sensors, motion sensors (e.g., an infrared sensor), cameras, air quality monitors, carbon dioxide sensors, carbon monoxide sensors, smoke detectors, light level sensors, heat sensors, room temperature sensors, dew point sensors, and/or humidity sensors.
As used herein, the use of relative terminology, such as “about,” “approximately,” “substantially” and the like refer to the stated value plus or minus ten percent. For example, the use of the term “about 100” refers to a range of from 90 to 110, inclusive. In instances in which the context requires otherwise and/or relative terminology is used in reference to something that does not include a numerical value, the terms are given their ordinary meaning to one skilled in the art.
FIG. 1A is a top view of an appliance hub 100 (which can also be referred to as a “hub 100,” a “cloud 100,” an “acoustic cloud 100,” etc.) configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology, and FIG. 1B is a side cross-sectional view of the hub 100 taken along section line 1B-1B in FIG. 1A. The hub 100 includes a frame 102 having a first side 103 a and a second side 103 b (FIG. 1B) opposite the first side 103 a, and one or more panels 104 (identified individually as first through fifth panels 104 a-e, respectively) coupled to the first side 103 a of the frame 102. The hub 100 further includes an insulating layer 108 coupled to the second side 103 b of the frame 102. Individual ones of the one or more panels 104 can be tuned and/or otherwise configured to absorb sound at a first frequency and/or in a first frequency range. Additionally, or alternatively, the insulating layer 108 can be tuned and/or otherwise configured to absorb sound at a second frequency and/or in a second frequency range. In some embodiments, the first frequency/frequency range is different (e.g., greater or less) than the second frequency/frequency range. The panels 104 and/or the insulating layer 108 can be configured to provide additional attenuation at other frequencies/frequency ranges. For example, the one or more panels 104 and/or the insulating layer 108 may absorb/attenuate sound generally and/or at overlapping frequencies/frequency ranges (e.g., both the first frequency/frequency range and the second frequency/frequency range), and/or at other frequencies/frequency ranges. However, the insulating layer 108 can be configured to target and/or have improved absorption/attenuation in the first frequency/frequency range (e.g., relative to the one or more panels) and/or the panels 104 can be configured to target and/or have improved absorption/attenuation in the second frequency/frequency range (e.g., relative to the insulating layer).
The frame 102 can be constructed from a metal (e.g., steel), polymer, and/or other suitable materials or combinations of materials. The frame 102 can be connected to a ceiling or other mounting point in a structure using, for example, threaded rods connected to gusset plates on the frame 102. The frame 102 can include attachment points (e.g., laser-cut provisions or other attachment structures) configured to facilitate mounting one or more devices to the frame 102 in various arrangements, described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-8 . The room-facing surfaces of the hub 100 (e.g., all or a subset of the panels 104) can have a finished surface similar to a ceiling or a wall to which the hub 100 is configured to be mounted. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more surfaces of the hub 100 (e.g., one or more side of the panels 104 and/or the insulating layer 108) can be faceted, e.g., to improve acoustic energy scattering and/or otherwise improve the acoustic performance of the hub 100.
The panels 104 can be arranged in one or more rows 106 (identified individually as first through fifth rows 106 a-e, respectively). In the illustrated embodiment, the hub 100 includes one or more first panels 104 a arranged in a first row 106 a, one or more second panels 104 b arranged in a second row 106 b, one or more third panels 104 c arranged in a third row 106 c, one or more fourth panels 104 d arranged in a fourth row 106 d, and one or more fifth panels 104 e arranged in a fifth row 106 e. With continued reference to the illustrated embodiment, the second row 106 b, the third row 106 c, and the fourth row 106 d are positioned between the first row 106 a and the fifth row 106 e, and/or the third row 106 c is positioned between the second row 106 b and the fourth row 106 d, e.g., so that the third row 106 c is a center row or lane of the hub 100 with the second row 106 b and/or the fourth row 106 d adjacent opposite (e.g., left and right) sides of the third row 106 c. In some embodiments, the rows 106 can have other suitable arrangements and/or the hub 100 can include a greater or lesser number of rows 106, such as one, two, three, four, six, seven, or more rows. The panels 104 can be releasably coupled to the frame 102 (e.g., in the rows 106) using one or more torsion springs; spring clips; quick-release pins, such as any quick-release pin manufactured McMaster-Carr Supply Co., headquartered in Elmhurst, Illinois; cable attachment systems, such as the PS-S150E manufactured by Fastmount®, headquartered in Silverdale, Auckland, NZ; male/female self-tapping clip systems, such as a PC-01 clip set manufactured by Fastmount®; and/or other suitable attachment components.
Individual ones of the panels 104 can include and/or be configured to receive one or more devices, such as one or more mechanical components (e.g., diffusers, sprinklers, etc.), acoustic panels, electrical components (e.g., speakers, Wi-Fi units, fire alarms, lights, etc.), and/or other devices arranged in various alignments and/or sizes. The device arrangements can be modular such that mechanical, electrical, and/or acoustic components can be arranged in many different arrangements and patterns using shared frames and general components. This is described in greater detail below with reference to FIGS. 6A-8 , and additional detail regarding appliance hubs can be found in U.S. application Ser. No. 17/956,713, filed Sep. 29, 2022, and titled “CENTRALIZED APPLIANCE HUBS AND RELATED SYSTEMS AND METHODS,” the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein.
As shown in FIG. 1B, the hub 100 can further include one or more upper or top insulating layers 108 (“insulating layer 108”) positioned on an opposite side of the frame 102 as the panels 104. Accordingly, the frame 102 can define a gap 110 (e.g., an air gap) extending at least partially or fully between the panels 104 and the insulating layer 108. In some embodiments, the insulating layer 108 includes a single section coupled to the frame 102. In other embodiments the hub 100 includes the insulating layer 108 in multiple (e.g., at least two, three, four, five, etc.) sections, individual ones of which can be spaced apart from and/or positioned to contact one or more of the other insulating layer sections. The insulating layer 108 can planar, or at least generally planar, such as shown in FIG. 1B, or the insulating layer 108 can be installed as one or more baffles and/or in a non-linear arrangement, a wavy arrangement, a zig-zag arrangement, and/or one or more other suitable arrangements. Individual ones of the panels 104 and/or rows 106 can have a first thickness T1, or each individual row 106 a-e can have a same or different thickness than one or more other rows 106. For ease of reference, the specification refers to the individual, respective thicknesses of each of the panels 104 and/or each of the rows 106 as “the first thickness T1.” The insulating layer 108 can have a second thickness T2. The gap 110 can have a third thickness T3. Each of the thicknesses T1-T3 can be the less than, equal to, or greater than one or more of the other thicknesses T1-T3. In the illustrated embodiment, for example, the first thickness T1 is about 2 inches (5.08 cm), the second thickness T2 is about 4 inches (10.16 cm) or about 6 inches (15.24 cm), and the third thickness T3 is about 3⅝ inches (9.21 cm). In other embodiments, the first thickness T1 can be between about ⅛ inch (0.32 cm) and about 4 inches (10.16 cm), the second thickness T2 can be between about ⅛ inches (0.32 cm) and about 12 inches (30.48 cm), and/or the third thickness T3 can be between about ⅛ inches (0.32 cm) and about 6 inches (15.24 cm).
The sound absorption and/or attenuation properties of the insulating layer 108 and/or the panels 104 can be based, at least in part, on one or more of the following features: materials, the thickness T1 and T3, a sizing and/or spacing of perforations or openings in one or more of the panels 104, overall dimensions of the insulating layer 108 and/or the panels 104, placement of the insulating layer 108 relative to the panels 104, and/or components between and/or surrounding the insulating layer 108 and the panels 104. Accordingly, one or more of these aspects of the panels 104 and/or the insulating layer 108 can be tuned to enhance the acoustic performance of the hub 100 (e.g., the acoustic absorption, attenuation, dampening, etc. performance of the hub 100). For example, the insulating layer 108 can be tuned and/or otherwise configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound or sound waves of a first frequency or within a first frequency range, and individual ones of the panels 104 can be tuned and/or otherwise configured to absorb and/or attenuate sound or sound waves of a second frequency or within a second frequency range, different than the first frequency/frequency range. In at least some embodiments, the first frequency/frequency range includes low frequencies (e.g., low speech frequency range, such as frequencies up to 500 Hz) and the second frequency/frequency range includes high frequencies (e.g., high speech frequency range, such as frequencies greater than 2,000 Hz). In other embodiments, the insulating layer 108 and/or all or a subset of the panels 104 can be configured to absorb or attenuate sound at other (e.g., greater or lesser) desired frequencies and/or in other desired frequency ranges. In these and other embodiments, the appliance hub can include more than two acoustic components or only a single acoustic component.
In at least some embodiments, the insulating layer 108 can include an insulation material 112 tuned for a specific frequency range (e.g., low frequency). For example, the insulating layer 108 may include a 1.5 inch (3.81 cm) plenum or duct board and/or 4 inch (10.16 cm) or 6 inch (15.24 cm) low density insulation tuned for low frequency absorption. The low-density insulation can include one or more Bandit Panels manufactured by MBI Products Company, headquartered in Elyria, Ohio. In other embodiments, the insulating layer 108 can be omitted. Additionally, or alternatively, individual ones of the panels 104 (e.g., the one or more third panels 104 c) can include an acoustic panel made of a perforated material 114 (e.g., a metal panel with a plurality of openings) with an acoustic insulation 116 positioned therein. The sizing and/or relative spacing of the perforations, the dimensions and/or material of the acoustic panel, and/or the thickness and/or material of the acoustic insulation 116 can be selected (e.g., “tuned”) to achieve the desired acoustic properties (e.g., to enhance certain frequencies). In various embodiments, individual ones of the panels 104 may include acoustic panels and/or other materials configured to reduce or even prevent acoustic reverberation time. For example, individual ones of the one or more third panels 104 c may include a 20 gauge perforated metal panel with 23% open area (e.g., the perforations define/occupy 23% of an area of the metal panel) and/or additional acoustically insulating material, such as a 2 inch (5.08 cm) cotton absorber optionally w/ facing. In some embodiments, the perforated metal panel can have another suitable gauge (e.g., up to 5 gauge, 10 gauge, 15 gauge, 30 gauge, 40 gauge, etc.) and/or the perforations can occupy a greater or lesser extend of the panel, e.g., to define up to 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40%, or 50% open area. The metal gauge and/or the perforations (e.g., the percent open area) can be tuned to enhance or maximize absorptive resonance in the low speech frequency range, such as up to 500 Hz (see, e.g., FIG. 4 ). The open area and/or perforation hole size can vary based, at least in part, on the metal gauge, e.g., in order to target and/or dampen the desired frequency/frequency range. Additionally, or alternatively, individual ones of the one or more second panels 104 b and/or individual ones of the one or more fourth panels 104 d can include 2 inch (5.08 cm) extruded, medium density insulation optionally with metal stiffeners, or other suitable configurations. The medium density insulation can include one or more acoustic panels manufactured by FSorb®, headquartered in Redmond, Washington, and/or one or more OPTIMA panels manufactured by Armstrong® World Industries Inc., headquartered in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. In these and/or some embodiments, individual ones of the one or more first panels 104 a and/or individual ones of the one or more fifth panels 104 e can have a 20 gauge metal housing configured to receive, e.g., one or more lighting elements (e.g., downlights). In some embodiments, the insulating layer 108 may be omitted from the hub 100 and/or individual ones of the panels 104 may be omitted from the hub 100.
The gap 110 can provide an open space (e.g., one or more air gaps between the insulating layer 108 and the panels 104. In some embodiments, the gap 110 can be configured to receive one or more acoustic components and/or material positioned, e.g., tuned for a third frequency and/or frequency range less than, greater than, or the same as the first frequency/frequency range and/or the second frequency/frequency range.
FIGS. 2 and 3 illustrate acoustic test data for appliance hubs configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. FIG. 4 illustrates experimental data from a nomogram test of various configurations of perforations in an appliance hub, in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. Tests were performed in a laboratory test setting using the appliance hub arrangements shown in FIGS. 5A-5E, e.g., at first edge-to-edge spacings X1, Y1 of 8 feet (2.44 m) and/or a first center-to-center spacing Z1 of 14 feet (4.27 m) (FIG. 5A), at second edge-to-edge spacings X2, Y2 of 6 feet (1.83 m) and/or a first center-to-center spacing Z2 of 12 feet (3.66 m) (FIG. 5B), at third edge-to-edge spacings X3, Y3 of 4 feet (1.22 m) and/or a first center-to-center spacing Z3 of 10 feet (3.05 m) (FIG. 5C), at fourth edge-to-edge spacings X4, Y4 of 2 feet (0.61 m) and/or a fourth center-to-center spacing Z4 of 8 feet (2.44 m) (FIG. 5D), and with appliance hubs immediately adjacent/abutting and/or a at fifth center-to-center spacing Z5 of 6 feet (1.83 m) (FIG. 5D). In the laboratory test, four 6×6 appliance hubs 500 a-d, individual ones of which were at least generally similar or identical to the appliance hub 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, were tested at the NWAA Labs in Elma, WA on Jul. 28, 2022. The appliance hubs 500 a-d were tested in accordance with ASTM Test Method C423, Standard Test Method for Sound Absorption and Sound Absorption Coefficients by the Reverberation Room Method. During the tests, the appliance hubs 500 a-d were mounted per ASTM E795-00, Standard Practices for Mounting Test Specimens During Sound Absorptions, in the Type J Mounting. Two different measurement arrangements were used during the tests: finished surface (i) 54 inches (137.16 cm) from test surface on opposite side of speakers/microphones; and (ii) 36 inches (91.44 cm) from test surface on opposite side of speakers/microphones. Noise reduction coefficient (NRC) lab results were between 0.95 and 1.45 depending on the appliance hub 500 a-d material assembly, spacing between appliance hubs 500 a-d, and distance from the finish surface.
Additional testing was performed in a room setting, e.g., to simulate a post-installation operating environment for the appliance hubs 500 a-d. During the room setting tests, the appliance hubs 500 a-d were placed in a room 501 (e.g., having a width W of 35 feet (10.67 m) and a length L of 47 feet (14.33 m)) to match the laboratory setup, e.g., with the same material assembly, spacing, and distance from the test surface (e.g., ceiling). The NRC results of the room tests were higher than expected, e.g., compared to tests performed in the laboratory under the same conditions. In some cases, the NRC was as high as 1.70, more than 10% greater than the maximum NRC of 1.5 shown in FIGS. 2 and 3 .
FIGS. 6A and 6B are front and side views, respectively, of another appliance hub 600 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. At least some aspects of the appliance hub 600 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function to the hub 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B. For example, referring to FIG. 6A, the appliance hub 600 includes the rows 106 and, referring to FIG. 6B, the appliance hub 600 includes the frame 102. As shown in FIG. 6A, the first row 106 a includes a first panel 604 a at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more first panels 104 a of FIGS. 1A and 1B and configured to receive a lighting element 618 a. The second row 106 b includes a second panel 604 b at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more second panels 104 b of FIGS. 1A and 1B and that is, e.g., blank or does not include any devices. The third row 106 c includes three panels 604 c _1-3. In the illustrated embodiment, a primary third panel 604 c ₁is configured to receive a fire sprinkler cover 620, a secondary third panel 604 c ₂is configured to receive a diffuser 622, and a tertiary third panel 604 c ₃can be blank. In some embodiments, individual ones of the panels 604 c _1-3can include additional or different device and/or can be blank. Additionally, or alternatively, one or more of the panels 604 c _1-3can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more third panels 104 c of FIGS. 1A and 1B. The fourth row 106 d includes a fourth panel 604 d at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more fourth panels 104 d of FIGS. 1A and 1B and that is, e.g., blank or does not include any devices. The fifth row 106 e includes a fifth panel 604 e at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more fifth panels 104 e of FIGS. 1A and 1B and configured to receive another lighting element 618 b. As best seen in FIG. 6B, one or more enclosure mounting components 624 can be coupled to the frame 102 and configured to couple/mount the appliance hub 600 to one or more surfaces (e.g., walls, the ceiling etc.) within an enclosure.
FIG. 7 is a perspective front view of yet another appliance hub 700 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. At least some aspects of the appliance hub 700 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function to hub 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the appliance hub 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and/or any of the appliance hubs incorporated by reference herein. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the third row 106 c includes the fire sprinkler cover 620 and the diffuser 622, as described previously with reference to the appliance hub 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B. However, in contrast to the appliance hub 600, the appliance hub 700 includes both the fire sprinkler cover 620 and the diffuser 622 in a single panel 704 c. The single panel 704 c can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more third panels 104 c of FIGS. 1A and 1B.
FIG. 8 is a perspective front view of a further appliance hub 800 configured in accordance with embodiments of the present technology. At least some aspects of the appliance hub 800 can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function to the hub 100 of FIGS. 1A and 1B, the appliance hub 600 of FIGS. 6A and 6B, and/or the appliance hub 700 of FIG. 7 , and/or any of the appliance hubs incorporated by reference herein. For example, in the illustrated embodiment the third row 106 c of the appliance hub 800 includes the fire sprinkler cover 620 and the diffuser 622. The third row 106 c further includes a fire alarm 824, and a Wi-Fi router 826, and a speaker 828. In the illustrated embodiment, each of the devices included in the third row 106 c is mounted to a separate panel 804 c _1-5. More specifically, the fire sprinkler cover 620 is mounted to a first panel 804 c ₁, the speaker 828 is mounted to a second panel 804 c ₂, the diffuser 622 is mounted to a third panel 804 c ₃, the fire alarm 824 is mounted to a fourth panel 804 c ₄, and the Wi-Fi router 826 is mounted to a fifth panel 804 c ₅. All or a subset of the panels 804 c _1-5can be at least generally similar or identical in structure and/or function as the one or more third panels 104 c of FIGS. 1A and 1B.

Examples

Certain aspects of the present technology are described with reference to the following examples:

- 1. An appliance hub, comprising:
- a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;
- one or more panels positioned on the first side; and
- an insulating layer positioned on the second side,
- wherein—
  - the one or more panels are configured to attenuate sound within a first frequency range, and
  - the insulating layer is configured to attenuate sound within a second frequency range different that the first frequency range.
- 2. The appliance hub of example 1 wherein individual ones of the one or more panels comprise perforated metal having perforations and an acoustically insulating material.
- 3. The appliance hub of example 2 wherein perforated metal has an area, and wherein the perforations define about 23% of the area of the perforated metal.
- 4. The appliance hub of example 2 or example 3 wherein the acoustically insulating material comprises an acoustically insulating fabric.
- 5. The appliance hub of any of examples 2-4 wherein the acoustically insulating material comprises a cotton acoustic blanket.
- 6. The appliance hub of any of examples 1-5 wherein individual ones of the one or more panels comprise medium density acoustic insulation.
- 7. The appliance hub of example 6 wherein the medium density acoustic insulation has a thickness of about 2 inches (5.08 cm).
- 8. The appliance hub of example 6 wherein the medium density acoustic insulation has a thickness of about 1 inch (2.54 cm).
- 9. The appliance hub of any of examples example 1-8 wherein the insulating layer includes a baffle system having a thickness of up to 12 inches (30.48 cm).
- 10. The appliance hub of any of examples 1-9 wherein the insulating layer comprises low density acoustic insulation.
- 11. The appliance hub of example 10 wherein the low density acoustic insulation has a thickness of 4-6 inches (10.16-15.24 cm).
- 12. The appliance hub of any of examples 1-11 wherein the first frequency range is lower than the second frequency range.
- 13. The appliance hub of any of examples 1-12 wherein the first frequency range is up to 500 Hz, and wherein the second frequency range is greater than 2,000 Hz.
- 14. The appliance hub of any of examples 1-13 wherein:
- the one or more panels and the insulating layer attenuate sound in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range,
- relative to the insulating layer, the one or more panels have improved attenuation in the first frequency range, and
- relative to the one or more panels, the insulating layer has improved attenuation in the second frequency range.
- 15. The appliance hub of example 1 wherein:
- the one or more panels comprise—
  - one or more first panels including perforated metal and an acoustically insulating material, and
  - one or more second panels including medium density acoustic insulation;
- the insulating layer comprises—
  - a plenum or duct board, or
  - low density acoustic insulation;
- the one or more first panels are coupled to the first side of the frame; and
- the one or more second panels are coupled to the first side of the frame adjacent the one or more first panels.
- 16. A method of manufacturing an appliance hub, the method comprising:
- tuning one or more panels of the appliance hub to absorb or attenuate sound within a first frequency range, and
- tuning an insulating layer of the appliance hub to absorb or attenuate sound within a second frequency range different that the first frequency range.
- 17. The method of example 16, further comprising:
- coupling the insulating layer to a first side of a frame of the appliance hub, and
- coupling the one or more panels to a second side of a frame of the appliance hub, opposite the first side.
- 18. The method of example 16 or example 17 wherein:
- tuning the one or more panels to absorb or attenuate sound at the first frequency range includes tuning the one or more panels to absorb or attenuate sound having frequencies greater than 2,000 Hz; and
- tuning the insulating layer to absorb or attenuate sound at the second frequency range includes tuning the insulating layer to absorb or attenuate sound having frequencies up to 500 Hz.
- 19. The method of any of examples 16-18 wherein:
- tuning the one or more panels includes selecting a first thickness and/or one or more first materials for individual ones of the one or more panels based, at least in part, on the first frequency range; and
- tuning the insulating layer includes selecting a second thickness and/or one or more second materials for the insulating layer based, at least in part, on the second frequency range.
- 20. The method of example 16 wherein:
- tuning the one or more panels comprises selecting—
  - a first panel made of (i) perforated metal having perforations and (ii) an acoustically insulating material, and
  - a second panel including medium density acoustic insulation;
- tuning the insulating layer comprises selecting (i) a plenum or duct board or (ii) low density acoustic insulation; and
- the method further comprises:
  - coupling the first panel to a first side of a frame of the appliance hub;
  - coupling the second panel to the first side of the frame adjacent the first panel; and
  - coupling the insulating layer to a second side of the frame, opposite the first side.

The above detailed descriptions of embodiments of the technology are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the technology to the precise form disclosed above. Although specific embodiments of, and examples for, the technology are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the technology, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform steps in a different order. Moreover, the various embodiments described herein may also be combined to provide further embodiments. Reference herein to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar formulations means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment can be included in at least one embodiment of the present technology. Thus, the appearances of such phrases or formulations herein are not necessarily all referring to the same embodiment.
Certain aspects of the present technology may take the form of computer-executable instructions, including routines executed by a controller or other data processor. In some embodiments, a controller or other data processor is specifically programmed, configured, and/or constructed to perform one or more of these computer-executable instructions. Furthermore, some aspects of the present technology may take the form of data (e.g., non-transitory data) stored or distributed on computer-readable media, including magnetic or optically readable and/or removable computer discs as well as media distributed electronically over networks. Accordingly, data structures and transmissions of data particular to aspects of the present technology are encompassed within the scope of the present technology. The present technology also encompasses methods of both programming computer-readable media to perform particular steps and executing the steps.
Moreover, unless the word “or” is expressly limited to mean only a single item exclusive from the other items in reference to a list of two or more items, then the use of “or” in such a list is to be interpreted as including (a) any single item in the list, (b) all of the items in the list, or (c) any combination of the items in the list. Where the context permits, singular or plural terms may also include the plural or singular term, respectively. Additionally, the term “comprising” is used throughout to mean including at least the recited feature(s) such that any greater number of the same feature and/or additional types of other features are not precluded. Directional terms, such as “upper,” “lower,” “front,” “back,” “vertical,” and “horizontal,” may be used herein to express and clarify the relationship between various elements. It should be understood that such terms do not denote absolute orientation. Further, while advantages associated with certain embodiments of the technology have been described in the context of those embodiments, other embodiments may also exhibit such advantages, and not all embodiments need necessarily exhibit such advantages to fall within the scope of the technology. Accordingly, the disclosure and associated technology can encompass other embodiments not expressly shown or described herein.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. An appliance hub, comprising:

a frame having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;

one or more panels positioned on the first side; and

an insulating layer positioned on the second side,

wherein—

the one or more panels are configured to attenuate sound within a first frequency range, and

the insulating layer is configured to attenuate sound within a second frequency range different that the first frequency range.

2. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein individual ones of the one or more panels comprise perforated metal having perforations and an acoustically insulating material.

3. The appliance hub of claim 2 wherein perforated metal has an area, and wherein the perforations define about 23% of the area of the perforated metal.

4. The appliance hub of claim 2 wherein the acoustically insulating material comprises an acoustically insulating fabric.

5. The appliance hub of claim 2 wherein the acoustically insulating material comprises a cotton acoustic blanket.

6. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein individual ones of the one or more panels comprise medium density acoustic insulation.

7. The appliance hub of claim 6 wherein the medium density acoustic insulation has a thickness of about 2 inches (5.08 cm).

8. The appliance hub of claim 6 wherein the medium density acoustic insulation has a thickness of about 1 inch (2.54 cm).

9. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein the insulating layer includes a baffle system having a thickness of up to 12 inches (30.48 cm).

10. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein the insulating layer comprises low density acoustic insulation.

11. The appliance hub of claim 10 wherein the low density acoustic insulation has a thickness of 4-6 inches (10.16-15.24 cm).

12. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein the first frequency range is lower than the second frequency range.

13. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein the first frequency range is up to 500 Hz, and wherein the second frequency range is greater than 2,000 Hz.

14. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein:

the one or more panels and the insulating layer attenuate sound in both the first frequency range and the second frequency range;

relative to the insulating layer, the one or more panels have improved attenuation in the first frequency range; and

relative to the one or more panels, the insulating layer has improved attenuation in the second frequency range.

15. The appliance hub of claim 1 wherein:

the one or more panels comprise—

one or more first panels including perforated metal and an acoustically insulating material, and

one or more second panels including medium density acoustic insulation;

the insulating layer comprises—

a plenum or duct board, or

low density acoustic insulation;

the one or more first panels are coupled to the first side of the frame; and

the one or more second panels are coupled to the first side of the frame adjacent the one or more first panels.

16. A method of manufacturing an appliance hub, the method comprising:

tuning one or more panels of the appliance hub to absorb or attenuate sound within a first frequency range, and

tuning an insulating layer of the appliance hub to absorb or attenuate sound within a second frequency range different that the first frequency range.

17. The method of claim 16, further comprising:

coupling the insulating layer to a first side of a frame of the appliance hub, and

coupling the one or more panels to a second side of a frame of the appliance hub, opposite the first side.

18. The method of claim 16 wherein:

tuning the one or more panels to absorb or attenuate sound at the first frequency range includes tuning the one or more panels to absorb or attenuate sound having frequencies greater than 2,000 Hz; and

tuning the insulating layer to absorb or attenuate sound at the second frequency range includes tuning the insulating layer to absorb or attenuate sound having frequencies up to 500 Hz.

19. The method of claim 16 wherein:

tuning the one or more panels includes selecting a first thickness and/or one or more first materials for individual ones of the one or more panels based, at least in part, on the first frequency range; and

tuning the insulating layer includes selecting a second thickness and/or one or more second materials for the insulating layer based, at least in part, on the second frequency range.

20. The method of claim 16 wherein:

tuning the one or more panels comprises selecting—

a first panel made of (i) perforated metal having perforations and (ii) an acoustically insulating material, and

a second panel including medium density acoustic insulation;

tuning the insulating layer comprises selecting (i) a plenum or duct board or (ii) low density acoustic insulation; and

the method further comprises:

coupling the first panel to a first side of a frame of the appliance hub;

coupling the second panel to the first side of the frame adjacent the first panel; and

coupling the insulating layer to a second side of the frame, opposite the first side.