Gravitating Drum Support Stand Using Center of Gravity Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instrument stands, particularly for multi-tenor drums, lack stability, quick mounting and dismounting capabilities, and the ability to align instruments for optimal performance while allowing for rotation for visual effects, with prior art failing to incorporate a gravitating pivot assembly effectively.
Innovation Solution
A support stand design featuring a single vertical post mounted near the center of gravity of the drums, which mates with a snug-fitting vertically-oriented sleeve to align and stabilize the drums using gravity, allowing for easy mounting and dismounting, and enabling rotation for visual effects.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple adjustable rods with wing nuts are used to support multi-tenor drums, then the drums can be held in horizontal orientation, but the mounting and dismounting process becomes time-consuming and requires frequent adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adjustment mechanism from the support structure by using a single vertical post that mounts near the center of gravity of the drum set. This eliminates the need for multiple adjustable rods with wing nuts, allowing quick mounting and dismounting without time-consuming adjustments. The post is designed to be inserted directly into the drum set's mounting holes, simplifying the entire support system.
Solution Approach 2:
The single vertical post serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, enables quick mounting and dismounting, and allows for rotation of the drums for visual effects. This multi-functional design replaces the complex system of multiple rods and adjustment mechanisms, reducing both time loss and operational complexity.
2Device complexity
If a traditional tripod stand with multiple rods is used, then the drums can be supported, but the structure becomes complex and heavy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the support function from the traditional tripod structure by using a single vertical post that attaches directly to the drum set's existing mounting holes. This segmentation eliminates the need for multiple rods, joints, and adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing part count and overall weight while maintaining support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the support post with the drum set's existing mounting structure by utilizing the same holes already present in the drum set for other hardware attachments. This merging eliminates the need for separate mounting hardware and reduces the overall complexity and weight of the support system.
3Stability of the object's composition
If drums are mounted on a fixed stand, then stability is achieved, but rotation for visual effects is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamics to the otherwise static support system by allowing the single vertical post to rotate within the drum set's mounting holes. This rotational capability provides versatility for visual effects while maintaining stability during performance, as the drums remain securely mounted on the post throughout the rotation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drum set's existing mounting holes serve dual purposes: they provide structural attachment points for stability and simultaneously allow rotational movement for visual effects. The structure serves itself by using the same features for both stabilization and motion, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms.
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 solution provides a stable, easy-to-use, and visually engaging support system that aligns drums for optimal performance and allows for quick placement and removal, reducing the need for adjustments and minimizing part complexity and weight.
Implementation Method 1
A gravitating musical instrument support essentially comprises a post portion having an axial post of cylindrical shape being mounted to an instrument; and a sleeve portion having an axial sleeve of cylindrical inside-cross-section sized to mate with the post
Data Source
AI summary
A support for musical instruments, especially marching percussion instruments such as multi-tenor sets, which uses a gravitating pivot to align the instrument in the proper orientation. The support simplifies and speeds the mounting of the instrument to a support stand. The support provides for interesting visual effects when desired by allowing the instrument to be easily spun around a vertical axis. The support is adaptable to different combinations of multi-tenor drum sets, such as doubles, triples, tri-toms, and quads.