New Swedish screw innovation promises quieter homes and better sleep

Sounds coming from the neighboring flat, the noise of passing cars, or the buzz of a lawnmower – these are things that prevent many of us from enjoying a peaceful sleep. A potential solution to these problems might have been found in Sweden, based on the use of a spring. It has the potential to revolutionise construction.

Håkan Wernersson from the Department of Materials Science and Applied Mathematics at Malmö University, together with his team, has developed a screw that neutralises noise. This innovation could bring significant changes to construction, allowing the reduction of incoming sound levels by half and eliminating certain issues associated with insufficient acoustic insulation. Laboratory tests have shown that the invention can reduce noise by 9 decibels, effectively halving the recorded sound compared to standard screws.

It is recommended to use this type of screw when mounting plasterboard panels to walls. This way, an additional layer with insulating properties is no longer needed. This allows us to save space in the room by reducing the thickness of the materials used. It's an excellent solution, especially for people who live in a small house or flat.

Additionally, these sound-absorbing screws from Sweden allow for the attachment of plasterboard panels to wooden elements on the wall. The springs embedded in them ensure that the screws diffuse sound waves transmitted through walls and wooden posts, so people in the room do not hear the noise.

The business model for this invention involves licensing the rights to produce and/or sell the screws to companies. Wernersson and his collaborator, Raimo Issalem, are seeking more companies willing to test the product on a larger scale. Conducting more pilot projects will allow them to verify how the screws perform in everyday use and identify potential areas for improvement.