Expanding pedalboard
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedalboards struggle to efficiently store and transport guitar effect pedals while maintaining ergonomic access, as they often compromise between space efficiency and accessibility.
Innovation Solution
A pedalboard design utilizing a four-bar linkage mechanism that allows the upper platform to pivot and change height and angle, enabling compact storage and easy repositioning for ergonomic use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pedals are arranged as a two dimensional grid on a flat pedalboard for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but volume of the pedalboard increases making it less efficient for storage and transportation
Solution Approach 1:
The pedalboard transitions from a two-dimensional flat arrangement to a three-dimensional stacked configuration. The upper platform can be positioned vertically above the lower platform during storage, utilizing vertical space to reduce the overall footprint while maintaining the same pedal capacity.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedalboard employs a four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotable rockers that enable dynamic reconfiguration between a compact stacked position for storage and an expanded grid position for performance. This mechanical system allows the upper platform to move relative to the lower platform, transforming the structure from static to adaptable.
2Volume of moving object
If pedals are stored as a vertical stack to save space, then volume of the pedalboard decreases for better storage efficiency, but ease of operation deteriorates as pedals become less accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotable rockers enables the upper platform to dynamically transition from a vertical stacked position to an horizontal grid position. This mechanical system allows the pedalboard to adapt its configuration based on whether storage efficiency or pedal accessibility is the priority.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedalboard utilizes vertical stacking during storage to minimize volume, then transforms to a two-dimensional grid arrangement during performance by deploying the upper platform horizontally through the four-bar linkage mechanism, providing full pedal accessibility.
3Device complexity
If the upper platform height remains fixed in a drawer design, then device complexity is reduced, but adaptability deteriorates as the height and angle cannot be adjusted for different positions
Solution Approach 1:
The four-bar linkage mechanism with pivotable rockers provides dynamic adjustability of the upper platform's height and angle. As the platform moves through its range of motion, the linkage automatically adjusts the geometric relationships, enabling the system to adapt to different positions without complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the geometric parameters of the upper platform's position and orientation as it transitions between storage and performance configurations. The four-bar linkage naturally adjusts the platform's height and angle based on its position in the motion cycle, providing adaptability through parameter variation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention describes a pedalboard for holding instrument effect pedals (guitar, bass, etc) which stores two layers of instrument effect pedals upon vertically stacked platforms for more compact storage but which can also be opened/expanded using a four-bar linkage mechanism to allow for access to the lower effect pedals during musical performance or practice. The upper platform may be disconnected from the front links and can pivot upward to allow for further access to the lower platform.