Marching Drum Dampener Hinge Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing percussion instrument support systems fail to effectively manage rotational energy when drums are rotated into playing position, leading to harsh stop forces on the player's back, neck, and shoulders, and lack adjustable features for comfortable positioning and balancing weight distribution.
Innovation Solution
A hinged support system that allows for adjustable positioning, pivoting, and rotation of drums, incorporating mechanical dampening and extension mechanisms to absorb rotational energy and facilitate comfortable placement, with optional pivotal attachment of individual drums for articulation and balanced weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If drums are rotated into playing position using fixed support, then drums can be positioned for playing, but harsh stop forces are generated on player's back, neck and shoulders
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates dampeners into the hinge mechanism that actively absorb rotational energy and mitigate stop forces before they reach the player's body. This beforehand cushioning approach prevents the harmful effects from occurring rather than addressing them after the fact.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism with integrated dampeners serves as an intermediary between the drum array and the player's body. This intermediary component absorbs and dissipates the rotational energy, preventing direct transmission of harsh stop forces to the player's back, neck and shoulders.
2Stability of the object's composition
If drum array is fixed in position, then structural stability is maintained, but player comfort and weight distribution cannot be adjusted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static, fixed drum array into a dynamic system with adjustable positioning. The hinge mechanism enables the drum array to pivot and rotate while maintaining structural stability, allowing players to adjust positions for comfort and optimal weight distribution during performance.
3Strength
If multiple drums are linked rigidly, then structural integrity is maintained, but articulation and individual drum movement are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the drum array into individually hinged drums that can articulate relative to each other. Each drum is connected through hinge mechanisms that maintain overall structural integrity while allowing individual drums to move and adjust positions independently for optimal playing configuration.
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 system provides a comfortable playing experience by eliminating harsh stop forces and allowing for precise adjustment of drum placement, reducing strain on the player and enhancing playing comfort through adjustable positioning and balanced weight distribution.
Implementation Method 1
A percussion instrument holder that allows attachment to a user mounted carrier... incorporating mechanical dampening and extension mechanisms to absorb rotational energy... The mechanical dampening and/or assist integrated into the hinge allows all the instruments to comfortably come to rest connected to the rail to hinge as a group thus eliminating harsh stop forces
Data Source
AI summary
A marching drum articulation dampener for percussion instrument holder that allows attachment to a user mounted carrier. The holder allows adjustment for positioning about the user, and pivoting of the holder to allow the holder to pivot or rotate up to allow the holder with instruments to fit a narrower space. The holder further allows the pivotal attachment of individual drums to link or pivot allowing the linked drums to articulate. The holder can also consist of members that allow a connected drum to move in horizontal position, angle, or height of the drum. A plurality of unique drum connecting members is disclosed that allow the connecting members to connect onto drum tension rods or on a drum lug. A lift assisting mechanism is used to assist in lifts drums from a horizontal to a vertical orientation.