Bracket Assembly for Hiding Grid Panels Beneath Stage Deck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing orchestra pit fillers and stage extensions lack a robust and aesthetically pleasing method to support grid panels, which are necessary for increasing the effective surface area of the stage while maintaining sound transmission and resisting applied loads.
Innovation Solution
A bracket assembly is designed to connect to a beam of a frame assembly, supporting a grid panel such that its top is vertically aligned with the beam's top, and positioned beneath the deck panels, ensuring the grid panel is not visible from the audience perspective, thereby improving aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If grid panels are used to increase effective stage surface area, then stage functionality is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible grid panels
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces deck panels as intermediary elements that are positioned between the audience view and the grid panels. These deck panels serve as a visual barrier that hides the grid panels from audience perspective while allowing the grid panels to remain functional for sound transmission and structural support. This mediator approach resolves the contradiction by separating the aesthetic requirement (hiding grids) from the functional requirement (maintaining grid utility).
2Shape
If bracket assembly is designed to hide grid panels from view, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but structural support capability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is designed with a L-shaped configuration that extends in multiple dimensions. The first bracket portion extends horizontally from the beam to provide attachment surface, while the second bracket portion extends vertically to support the grid panel. This multi-dimensional arrangement allows the brackets to provide robust structural support while maintaining the aesthetic requirement of hiding grid panels beneath deck panels.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assembly is segmented into multiple functional portions: a first bracket portion for attachment to the beam, a second bracket portion for supporting the grid panel, and positioning features for precise alignment. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific function while collectively providing both aesthetic and structural benefits.
3Stability of the object's composition
If grid panels are positioned to be vertically aligned with beam top, then structural stability is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The grid panels are nested beneath the deck panels, creating a layered configuration. The deck panels are positioned above and in front of the grid panels, effectively nesting the grid panels within the structural assembly in a way that hides them from audience view. This nesting arrangement maintains the vertical alignment for structural stability while eliminating the aesthetic problem of visible grid panels.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure relates to a bracket assembly configured to support a grid panel relative to an orchestra pit filler or a stage extension. Among other benefits, the bracket assembly provides a robust and easily-installed connection point for a grid panel. Further, the bracket assembly supports the grid panel beneath the deck panels of the orchestra pit filler, thereby improving aesthetics of the orchestra pit filler and the stage overall.