Compact Bass Drum Retention Mat with Cushioned Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for retaining a bass drum in position during play are either too large and bulky, limiting transportation and flexibility, or cause damage and aesthetic issues due to rigid stop members.
Innovation Solution
A compact assembly featuring a mat component with a retention member and cushion at one end, allowing the bass drum and drum stool to be positioned on opposite ends, with the mat secured by the drummer's weight and friction members to prevent movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large rug or mat assembly with elongated stops is used to retain bass drums, then the bass drum is effectively retained in position, but the assembly becomes large and bulky, making it difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the retention system into separate components: a mat component and a retention component. The retention component can be detached and stored separately, allowing the mat to be compact while still providing effective bass drum retention when assembled. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by enabling reliable retention during use while minimizing transport volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention component is designed to be movable and adjustable rather than fixed. It can be positioned at different locations on the mat and easily reconfigured between uses. This dynamic design allows the system to provide reliable retention when needed while being compact and easy to store when not in use, resolving the size contradiction.
2Reliability
If a rigid stop member is attached to the mat to retain the bass drum, then the drum is retained in position, but the rigid stop causes damage to the bass drum and is aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The retention component incorporates a cushioning element that contacts the bass drum before any rigid parts can cause damage. This cushioning layer absorbs the force of the drum against the stop, preventing damage to the drum while maintaining effective retention. The harmful effect is eliminated by introducing protective cushioning in advance.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention component acts as an intermediary between the mat and the bass drum. Instead of the bass drum directly contacting the rigid mat edge, the retention component mediates the interaction, providing both retention force and protective cushioning. This intermediary resolves the contradiction by decoupling the retention function from the damage-causing rigid structure.
3Reliability
If a large format mat assembly with elongated stops is used, then bass drums are retained in position, but the drummer's ability to arrange the kit flexibly is limited
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the retention component from the mat, the invention allows the retention component to be independently positioned and configured. The retention component can be moved to different locations on the mat or removed entirely, enabling flexible kit arrangements while maintaining bass drum retention when needed. This segmentation resolves the contradiction between reliable retention and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention component is designed to be dynamically repositionable along the mat surface. It can be easily moved to different locations and orientations to accommodate various kit configurations. This dynamic capability allows the system to provide reliable retention while adapting to different drummer preferences and stage layouts, resolving the flexibility contradiction.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The compact assembly effectively retains the bass drum in place without causing damage, is aesthetically appealing, and allows for easy transportation and flexible kit arrangement, addressing the limitations of previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
a cushion member affixed to at least one side of the retention member. The cushion member engages a portion of the bass drum when the bass drum is disposed in an operative orientation on the mat component, thereby retaining the bass drum in position
Implementation Method 2
the mat component is at least partially retained in position on a playing surface by a weight of the drummer and the drum stool operatively positioned on the mat component oppositely disposed from the bass drum
Data Source
AI summary
A compact assembly for retaining a bass drum in position on a playing surface while it is played by a drummer seated on a drum stool. The compact assembly includes a mat component having a length and a width. The length of the mat component is sufficient to allow both a bass drum and a drum stool to be operatively positioned on opposite ends thereof while the mat component is disposed in an open operative configuration. A retention component comprises a retention member secured to a portion of one end of the mat component, and a cushion member is affixed to at least one side of the retention member. The cushion member engages a portion of the bass drum when the bass drum is disposed in an operative orientation on the mat component, thereby retaining the bass drum in position while a drummer is playing.