This sound-absorbing blind called Feltone, is available from Tokyo Blinds. Made of felt, it absorbs the sound waves, converting them into thermal energy through repeated reflection.

The blinds can reduce an 89dB source by 4dB, resulting in a 60% noise power reduction.

“This sound-absorbing blind works because sound is absorbed extremely well if there’s a rear air layer, 50-200 mm thick, between the blind slats and a wall, when the blind is attached in the usual way. We’ve utilized this phenomenon to achieve an effect like a sound-absorbing panel, by adding sound-absorbing felt. So this blind absorbs sound very easily using that effect.”

Feltone is the same size as an ordinary blind, so it can be easily attached to windows and walls. It can also be rolled up and removed. The degree of sound reflection can also be varied, by opening and closing the slats. This makes it possible to adjust the noise level by varying the reflectivity, which has been difficult to achieve with soundproof panels.

“People who are particular about sounds seek for higher quality sounds. So, they don’t mind checking our products. Another case is when people are annoyed by an unknown source of noise, and they don’t know where to look for to get rid of it. Lots of people suffer from a noisy indoor environment; for example, they can’t hear what other people are saying, or the noise from servers is annoying. But there are very few ways to solve those kinds of problems. If people with a noise problem consult us, what we do is: We simulate all the possible solutions, and compare the current noise situation with a simulation of the noise level if our products are installed in the room.”

A 2m x 2m Feltone blind without a cover costs about 120,000 yen. Blinds can also be made to order. Feltone blinds can be installed in around two hours, for one-third to one-tenth the cost of ordinary soundproof panels.

From now on, Tokyo Blinds plans to release sound-absorbing curtains, as well as sound-absorbing low partitions designed for meeting rooms and offices.

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