Problem Statement: I have a loud environment, but I prefer quietude when I am studying or working on projects. My bedroom, which is also where I study, has poor sound insulation, meaning that I can often hear conversation-level or quieter sounds coming from outside. Examples include the living-room TV on the lowest comfortable sound level or backyard events hosted by my neighbors. Although I have foam earplugs and noise-cancelling headphones, I prefer a low-sound environment instead of a no-sound environment, and I cannot wear them all the time for ear health reasons. This leads to situations where I am distracted and unable to focus as well as I could on projects or learning.
Design Statement: Design, test, and implement a whole-room noise dampening / cancelling system that effectively quiets my room to an adjustable level of quietude.
Requirements: This system must be adjustable, meaning that I must be able to easily tune it to allow more or less sound in. This is because the sound level outside my room changes from day to day, and the sound level I am comfortable with while I work also fluctuates. Most of the time, I prefer not to feel completely isolated, but sometimes I may want complete silence. This system must be permanent or semi-permanent, with parts that either do not need to be replaced or only need to be replaced very occasionally.
Constraints: This system must not damage the house itself. This system must not run any risk of dangerous malfunction or be a fire hazard. This system must not provide significant constructive interference within or without the room. This system’s total material cost must be reasonable for a project of its caliber.
Deliverables: A digital design and physical implementation of the system, along with project design documentation and a video demonstration of the system’s real-life effectiveness.
Preferences: It is preferred that the system also be able to play music or other audio, such as radio or white noise, on command. However, this is not necessary.