Portable Drum Kit Components With Flat-Pack Shell and Folding Hardware
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing portable drum kits face challenges in achieving a more compact configuration for storage and transport without compromising musical quality.
Innovation Solution
The drum shell is formed with beveled staves that can be stored flat and reconfigured into a rounded shape, a foldable drum pedal, and a collapsible stand are introduced to enhance compactness, while maintaining musical performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If the drum shell is made from traditional materials and construction methods, then the structural strength and sound quality are maintained, but the weight and compactness for transport are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from traditional wood or metal to plastic, and changes the geometric parameter from curved staves to flat beveled panels. This allows the drum shell to be lightweight and compact when flat, while maintaining structural integrity when assembled into the rounded configuration with tension applied to the drum head.
2Volume of moving object
If the drum shell is made from flat sheet material, then the compactness for storage is improved, but the traditional rounded shape and acoustic properties may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The drum shell is segmented into multiple flat beveled panels that can be stored in a compact flat configuration. When assembled, these segmented panels form the traditional rounded drum shell shape, providing both compact storage and proper acoustic geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from storing the drum shell in three-dimensional rounded form to a two-dimensional flat configuration. The beveled edges of the panels enable them to be stacked flat for compact storage while reconstructing the three-dimensional rounded shape when assembled with the drum head tension applied.
3Ease of operation
If the drum pedal and stand are made from rigid non-folding structures, then the stability and durability are maintained, but the portability and ease of transport are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The drum pedal and stand are designed with movable joints and folding mechanisms that allow them to transition between a stable extended configuration for use and a compact folded configuration for transport. This dynamic design maintains structural stability when deployed while enabling easy portability when collapsed.
Data Source
AI summary
A compact configuration of individual elements forming a drum kit is proposed. In particular, modifications to the drum shell, foot pedal and stand are utilized to create a more compact arrangement for storage of these elements into a known cabinet configured for transporting a complete, portable drum kit. The drum shell may be formed of a lightweight, inexpensive plastic material that may be machined to create a plurality of beveled staves that may be stored “flat” and re-configured into a rounded configuration during set up of the drum kit. This type of drum shell may be used for various sizes and types of snare drums and/or tom-tom drums. A modified drum pedal is proposed that conveniently folds for storage, as well as a foldable stand.