Arcuate Orientation Member for Portable Theatrical Support Platform
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current staging equipment for touring productions is inflexible, time-consuming to assemble and disassemble, and limited in its ability to adjust lighting and sound configurations to suit different venues, leading to increased costs and reduced show flexibility.
Innovation Solution
A portable support platform system with an arcuate orientation member and flexible members that allow for easy storage, transport, and flexible positioning of theatrical devices, enabling quick deployment and retraction, and orientation of equipment using lifting devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional staging equipment is used, then equipment can be installed in fixed locations, but assembly time increases and flexibility decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple modular segments that can be independently assembled and configured. Each segment contains standardized attachment points and connection interfaces, allowing rapid assembly without complex custom installations at each venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs movable and adjustable support elements that can be dynamically repositioned between performances. The orientation members and positioning mechanisms allow equipment to be quickly reconfigured from a static fixed installation to a dynamic adaptable setup that can be adjusted during setup and storage phases.
2Ease of operation
If equipment is mounted to pre-existing venue structures, then installation is simplified, but motion and repositioning capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure integrates multiple functions into a single system: it provides stable mounting for equipment, enables repositioning and motion capabilities, and incorporates storage functions for when equipment is not in use. The standardized interfaces allow the same structure to be used across different venues without custom modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The design features nested or collapsible support elements that can be compacted into a smaller configuration for transport and storage, then expanded to full operational size at the venue. The modular segments can be nested within each other when not in use, reducing the overall footprint while maintaining full functionality during performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If robotic lighting is used, then some motion capability is provided, but range of motion and installation flexibility remain limited
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple lighting instruments and support functions are merged into integrated assemblies that move and position as unified units. Rather than individually installing and programming each robotic light, the system combines several lights on shared mounting structures with common positioning mechanisms, reducing installation complexity while expanding the collective range of motion and coverage area.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable support platform system and method for assembling the system are provided. The portable support platform system includes a support platform configured to receive theatrical devices and an orientation member attached to the support platform. The orientation member includes an arcuate surface configured to receive a flexible member. The flexible member is fixably attached to the orientation member at one or more locations along the arcuate surface to permit orientation and movement of the support platform when the flexible members are deployed or retracted.