TechSwedish solution promises quieter living with noise-dampening screws

Swedish solution promises quieter living with noise-dampening screws

Swedish scientists have shown a bolt that dampens noise.
Swedish scientists have shown a bolt that dampens noise.
Images source: © sound fastener | Sound Fastener

7:08 AM EDT, August 28, 2024

Annoying noises from neighboring apartments, the roar of car engines outside the window, or the clatter of a nearby lawnmower often cause sleepless nights. However, a Swedish invention has the potential to change this and revolutionize the construction market.

The revolution in construction is gaining momentum thanks to technological innovations that are changing how we think about creating living and working spaces. One of the breakthrough inventions that can revolutionize acoustic comfort in buildings is the innovative noise-dampening screw. Thanks to its unique design and materials that absorb vibrations, this screw can reduce noise levels by up to half.

An interesting Swedish invention

Håkan Wernersson from the Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics at the University of Malmo, along with his team, has created a special screw that effectively eliminates unwanted noise. This innovative project could bring significant changes to construction, reducing noise inside apartments by up to half.

Research has shown that the invention of Swedish scientists reduces sound intensity by 9 decibels, which in practice means a reduction of audible sounds by half compared to standard screws.

A screw that neutralizes noise

These screws are particularly useful when installing drywall panels on walls. They allow for the elimination of additional insulation layers, which translates into space savings in rooms by reducing the materials' thickness. This is an ideal solution, especially for owners of small apartments and houses.

Additionally, the innovative Swedish noise-absorbing screws allow for the attachment of drywall panels to wooden elements in walls. Thanks to built-in springs, sound waves transmitted through the walls and wooden beams are dispersed, preventing noise from penetrating the room's interior.

The business model for this innovative invention involves licensing the rights to produce and/or sell the screws to interested companies. Wernersson and his collaborator Raimo Issalem are currently seeking companies that would be interested in conducting larger tests. An increased number of pilot projects will verify the effectiveness of the screws in practice and introduce potential product improvements.

A screw that absorbs sounds.
A screw that absorbs sounds.© Malmö University
See also