Psychoakustische Optimierung von Haushaltsgeräten

With the background of increasing noise pollution and its influence on the consumer’s purchasing pattern this work shall find a suggestive possibility to measure sound emissions of kitchen equipment. An efficient measurement chain, divided into 3 stages, will be developed in order for the manufacturer to detect any inadequancies of its devices concerning their noise emission. A follow-up diploma thesis will utilise this concept and treat the psychoacoustic part with an annoyance index in deeper detail. A definite optimisation of a device could also arise.

The first stage of the chain concerns the manufacturer’s “on-site” possibilities to perform basic measurements of production devices or prototypes. The emphasis here lies upon the importance of a standardised realistic environment for the measurements.

The second stage consists of a psychoacoustical analysis of the devices. This measurement does also take the direction of the noise emission into account and will be conducted at the IEM. Any non-obvious acoustical weaknesses can be determined here.

The third stage represents the manufacturer’s own test-center where a standardised verification according to internal guidelines as well as international standards takes place.

A big advantage of the 3-stage system is clearly the fact that the manufacturer can sort out bad weaknesses of certain devices very quickly. On the other hand the concept can easily cope with more difficult problems by more detailed measurements at the IEM if needed.

The short geographical distance between the manufacturer and the IEM in Graz, ensures a very fast iteration cycle in terms of optimisation.

The project’s goal is an outline of the described 3-stepped measurement chain as well as a dedicated measurement protocol to ensure a regular communication between the associated partners.