Adjustable Line Array Hanger for Precise Single-User Splay Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Line array speaker installations are labor-intensive and require multiple people due to the weight and complexity of speakers, necessitating precise angular orientation and splay angles for optimal audio performance, which is difficult to achieve accurately.

Innovation Solution

A smart hanging system with adjustable hanger assemblies and auto-pin locking mechanisms allows single-user assembly and disassembly of line array speakers, enabling easy adjustment of splay angles and angular orientations for each speaker.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If speakers are connected and oriented manually during installation, then proper angular coverage and phase coherence can be achieved, but the installation process becomes labor intensive and requires multiple people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangular orientation precisionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses self-aligning connection mechanisms where speakers automatically orient themselves to the correct angular position when connected to the line array. The mechanical connection system includes alignment features that guide speakers into proper orientation without requiring manual adjustment by installers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Speakers are pre-configured with adjustable hanger assemblies and connection interfaces that are prepared in advance for automatic alignment. The hanger assemblies include pre-set angular adjustments and the connection system includes alignment features that are ready to engage automatically during installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If speakers are made heavy duty for durability, then reliability improves, but handling and adjustment becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeaker durabilityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs counterbalanced hanger assemblies that use spring mechanisms to offset the weight of speakers. These spring-loaded hangers provide upward counterforce to balance the speaker weight, reducing the effort required by installers to position and adjust speakers while maintaining secure support for durable construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The hanger assemblies incorporate dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow smooth movement and positioning of speakers during installation. The spring-based system provides controlled resistance and movement, enabling easy adjustment of heavy speakers to precise angular positions while maintaining secure support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If precise splay angles are manually adjusted, then audio performance optimization is achieved, but the adjustment process becomes time consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesplay angle precisionVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The hanger assemblies are pre-configured with multiple preset angular positions and include quick-adjust mechanisms that allow installers to select and lock desired splay angles rapidly. The connection system includes pre-marked alignment features that guide speakers into correct angular positions without requiring complex manual measurement and adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4320874B1Speaker array with adjustable hanging system
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 QSC LLC
  • EP4320874B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4320874B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4320874B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Speaker mounting systems configured to assembly a line array coupled to a support are provided. The mounting systems generally include an engagement system having a hanger assembly with a boom arm including upper connection points. In a first speaker, the upper connection points can be operably coupled to the support. The line array can include a second speaker having an engagement system including a hanger assembly having a boom arm with upper connection points operably coupled to the lower connection points of the first speaker. The boom arm of the second speaker can be pivotably coupled to the second speaker such that the boom arm is adjustable between at least a first position, corresponding to a first splay angle between front faces of the first and second speakers, and a second position, corresponding to a second splay angle between the front faces of the first and second speakers.