Drumskin Assembly Positive Locking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing drumhead assembly manufacturing process is labor-intensive and time-consuming due to the need for mechanical post-processing like flanging or adhesive use, which poses challenges in ensuring clean connection surfaces for optimal adhesion.

Innovation Solution

A drumhead assembly design featuring a U-shaped first ring element with a third L-shaped ring element and connecting means like tongues and abutments or toothing, allowing for form-fitting and cohesive connections without flanging, and using extruded or die-cast plastic and aluminum ring members for simplified assembly and storage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If flanging or folding is used to connect ring elements, then a mechanical connection is achieved, but considerable mechanical effort and post-processing are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidmanufacturing effort

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means (tongues and abutments) are pre-formed as integral parts of the ring elements during the extrusion or die-casting process. This preliminary formation eliminates the need for subsequent flanging or folding operations, significantly reducing mechanical effort and post-processing requirements while maintaining strong mechanical connections

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Strength

If adhesive is used to fill the U-channel, then a non-positive connection is achieved, but the process is time-consuming and requires clean connection surfaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadhesion strengthVSAvoidassembly time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the adhesive bonding system with a mechanical locking system using tongues and abutments. This mechanical substitution eliminates the time-consuming adhesive application and curing processes, as well as the requirement for clean connection surfaces, while achieving equally strong or superior connections through geometric interlocking

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If tongues and abutments are used for connection, then assembly is simplified, but the ring elements require more complex initial shaping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidring element geometry

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting means (tongues and abutments) are merged into the ring elements as integral features during the extrusion or die-casting process. This combining of the connection mechanism with the structural elements simplifies the overall assembly process while the complexity of the geometry is managed through efficient one-step manufacturing processes

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3433853B1Drumskin assembly for percussion instruments

Publication Date: 2020.03.18 GEHRIG URS

Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5a

AI summary

The invention relates to a drumskin assembly (1) for a percussion instrument, having at least one membrane (2) with a first ring element which has a ring channel which is substantially U-shaped in cross section, and with a second ring element which has a substantially rectangular cross section, wherein the membrane (2) has a peripheral collar which can be at least partially connected to the first ring element and second ring element, wherein the drumskin assembly (1) comprises at least a third ring element which is in positive engagement with the first ring element in such a way that the peripheral collar is positively and non-positively connected to the ring elements in the ring channel.