AcouMAT – Innovative Acoustic Materials for Loudspeakers
Ingénierie et Architecture
The AcouMAT project addresses a key industrial challenge : the inconsistent acoustic performance of materials used in DML loudspeakers. DML stands for Distributed Mode Loudspeakers, a technology that uses flat panels to disperse sound more evenly through vibrations. Hidden Sound GmbH, a young and ambitious Swiss audio tech company, collaborates with HEPIA’s Materials and Acoustic Laboratories to identify the physical properties essential for stable and high-quality sound output.
Natural porous materials (such as balsa and paulownia) were analyzed to determine how their structure, crystallinity, moisture, hardness, stiffness, and chemical composition affect sound clarity characterized in laboratory condition. HEPIA employed techniques like optical and electronic microscopy, X-ray diffraction, infra-red spectroscopy, hardness, tensile tests to obtain mechanical and chemical properties and modal analysis to determine natural frequencies and eigenmodes. It was found that the variability of the mechanical and chemical properties strongly influence the dispersion of the acoustic response. Moreover, multi-physics simulations were used to model and predict material behavior. The project enabled rapid screening of materials without full-scale prototyping.
By understanding which material properties most influence acoustic quality, Hidden Sound is now equipped to choose consistent, sustainable materials for future production. This paves the way for industrialization and entry into competitive markets such as smart home audio, education, healthcare, and public spaces. The results also strengthen the collaboration between academic and industry partners, and support regional economic development through Swiss-made innovation.
Un appel à projets destiné aux entreprises pour stimuler leur innovation, leur compétitivité et leur durabilité
Le projet décrit ci-dessus fait partie d'un appel à projets extraordinaire intitulé "Innovation, compétitivité et durabilité", lancé par le domaine Ingénierie et Architecture de la HES-SO. Ces fonds sont destinés aux professeur-es proches des sociétés de services et d'entreprises suisses. Les hautes écoles concernées par cet appel à projets sont :
- HE-Arc Ingénierie ;
- Haute école d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Fribourg - HEIA-FR ;
- Haute école du paysage, d'ingénierie et d'architecture de Genève (HEPIA) ;
- HES-SO Valais-Wallis - Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie - HEI ;
- Haute Ecole d'Ingénierie et de Gestion du Canton de Vaud - HEIG-VD ;
- CHANGINS - Haute école de viticulture et œnologie.