Drum Stacker Assembly for Rim-Supported Stacking Without Head Damage

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Solution Overview

Problem

The size of drum kits poses challenges for storage and transportation, as stacking can damage the drum heads due to uneven weight distribution, which affects the sound quality.

Innovation Solution

A drum stacker assembly that transfers weight from each drum to the one below without contacting the drum head, using adjustable and frictional components to support the drums' rims, and includes deformable materials for cushioning and shock absorption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If drums are stacked for storage or transportation, then space utilization is improved, but drum head quality deteriorates due to weight concentration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespace utilizationVSAvoiddrum head quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a drum stacker assembly as an intermediary device between stacked drums. This assembly includes contactless support mechanisms (such as suction cups or magnetic holders) that hold the smaller drum without allowing its weight to concentrate on the larger drum's head. The intermediary device transfers weight to the drum rims or shells instead, protecting the drum heads from damage while enabling safe stacking for compact storage and transportation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Productivity

If a smaller drum is stacked on top of a larger drum, then storage efficiency is improved, but the larger drum's head is damaged by concentrated weight

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage efficiencyVSAvoiddrum head strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The drum stacker assembly applies local quality by creating different support conditions at different locations. The contactless holding mechanism (suction cups or magnetic holders) applies force only to the rim or shell areas of the drums, not to the drum heads. This localized application of support force allows the smaller drum's weight to be borne by the stronger rim/shell structures rather than the more vulnerable drum heads, maintaining both storage efficiency and drum head integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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

Enables safe stacking and transportation of drums without deforming the drum heads, maintaining sound quality and reducing the risk of damage from external contact.

Implementation Method 1

includes deformable materials for cushioning and shock absorption

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

using adjustable and frictional components to support the drums' rims

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11465850B2Drum set stacker

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 MALONEY MICHAEL

AI summary

The present disclosure describes a drum stacking assembly configured to allow stacking of drums for storage or transportation. The drum stacking assembly generally includes an extendable stacker device configured to be positioned between drums in a stack to support drums in the stack in a manner where the weight of the drums are supported on the rim portion of the drums and not the heads.