Disney has plenty of attractions that utilize doors to separate rooms or to seal guests into ride vehicles. The one issue with these doors is that they tend to leak sound, which in a themed environment can ruin the illusion and spoil events for guests.
That’s why this patent published last week is so intriguing. It features a technology that puts a soundproofing material around the seal of doors to prevent sound leaks.
Traditionally, to prevent sound leaks, layers of soundproofing material was applied to doors. These doors, in turn, had to make contact with all four quadrants of the door frame to prevent sounds leaks.
This new technology allows for there to be small gaps in the door and door frame that air can flow through, while still eliminating sounds. Channels of soundproofing material are exposed around the door frame that acts as a sort of “sound vacuum”.
While not the most glamorous technology, it could have positive benefits for the theme parks. If a door doesn’t close all the way or is not flush to the frame, it will not ruin the show or attraction for guests.
As always, a patent publication does not mean the technology will ever be used.
It’s just especially designed insulation foam with gaps as layers to dissipate sound. Not exactly high tech unless the foam is.
So maybe they could use these on the aforementioned Space restaurant next to Test Track.
was just going to say…
My wife and I would like it if they could sound-proof the rooms at Pop Century better. We had stayed there on our visits for 14 years. But since they put in the hard floors (instead of carpeting) it got noisier, making it harder to sleep. Sadly, we won’t be staying there again.
Well it’s being rolled out to all value and moderate resorts over the next couple of years, so I hope you’re fine with Deluxe level
I’m sure the reasoning for going to hardwood floors instead of carpeting is for ease of cleaning. It’s much simpler to just vacuum or even mop and hardwood floor that is to vacuum/shampoo a carpet. They are also much less likely to keep in odors.