Loudspeaker Array Coupling System for Angle Setting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loudspeaker array coupling systems face challenges in setting angles efficiently and safely, particularly when hoisted, as forces caused by gravity can lead to accidents and require complex setups in non-hoisted positions.

Innovation Solution

A coupling system using a pivotable connection bar and a stationary connection frame with adjustable holders and stops allows for easy angle setting in both compression and flying modes, utilizing gravity or tension cables to maintain predetermined angles, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the angle between loudspeaker housings is set when they are in a hoisted position, then the coupling system can maintain the angle under gravity forces, but the risk of accidents increases and the operation becomes more dangerous

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle maintenance under gravityVSAvoidaccident risk during angle setting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The angle between loudspeaker housings is set in advance when the array is in a non-hoisted position, before gravity forces are applied. The coupling means are pre-adjusted to the desired angle, and then the array is hoisted. This preliminary setting eliminates the danger of adjusting angles under gravity loads while ensuring the angle is maintained during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the angle is set in advance in a non-hoisted position using gravity or tension cables, then the operation becomes safer and easier, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety and simplicity of angle settingVSAvoidcoupling system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling means are designed to perform multiple functions: they can set and maintain angles in both non-hoisted and hoisted positions, support both gravity and tension cable loading modes, and accommodate different array configurations. This multi-functionality is achieved through a versatile mechanical structure with adjustable components that adapt to different operational requirements without requiring separate systems for each mode.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of time

If a tension cable or gravity system is used to maintain angle in non-hoisted position, then the angle can be set before hoisting, but the device complexity and setup time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveangle setting timeVSAvoidsuspension system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The angle-setting function is extracted from the hoisting operation itself. The coupling means include dedicated angle-adjustment mechanisms that can be operated independently before the array is hoisted. This separation allows angle setting to be performed conveniently on the ground without involving the hoisting system, reducing both setup time and the complexity of the suspension mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 system provides a flexible, reliable, and efficient method for setting loudspeaker angles, reducing the risk of accidents and simplifying the process, while maintaining optimal sound pressure and interaction between speakers.

Implementation Method 1

the angle is achieved by hoisting the array from a horizontal position such that the back sides of the speakers are pushed against each other, and then let gravity pull the back sides of the speakers away from each other towards the set angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

a tensioning cable is used to pull the back sides of the speakers towards each other towards the set angle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS10321212B2Loudspeaker array suspension
Publication Date: 2019.06.11 ALCONS AUDIO BV
  • US10321212B2 patent drawing
  • US10321212B2 patent drawing
  • US10321212B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A loudspeaker array suitable for use in both a compression suspension mode and a flying suspension mode, wherein each two adjacent loudspeakers housings are coupled to each other by coupling means comprising a stationary connection frame, a pivotable connection bar and a connection member; wherein one of the connection frame and bar is provided with a fly mode pulling connection member stop and a compression mode pushing connection member stop which each are arranged to receive and block movement of the connection member in two opposite directions, one being a fly mode direction and one being a compression mode direction, such that blocking the movement of said connection member in the fly mode direction causes the back sides of the loudspeaker housings to exert a pulling force on each other while maintaining a predetermined angle and blocking the movement of said connection member in the compression mode direction causes the back side of said loudspeaker housings to exert a pushing force on each other while maintaining a predetermined angle.