Loudspeaker Array Rigging Beam With Trolley Angle Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing loudspeaker rigging systems face challenges in maintaining optimal angular displacement of loudspeaker arrays while under load, which can lead to misaligned and potentially unsafe loads, especially when forming curved arrays.

Innovation Solution

A loudspeaker rigging apparatus that includes a beam secured to the uppermost speaker, a trolley coupled to the beam, and a rigging point for connection to a temporary or permanent structure, allowing the beam to be angularly displaced. This apparatus includes a trolley driver, rotatable elements, and an actuator to adjust the beam's angle while supporting the load.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If a lever hoist is used to tension the rear of lower speakers to form a curved array, then the array can be formed into a J-shape, but the centre of gravity shifts and the angle of inclination changes, compromising audio performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecurved array shapeVSAvoidangular alignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The beam is designed to be angularly displaceable with respect to the horizontal plane, allowing dynamic adjustment of the array's angle of inclination. This enables the system to maintain optimal audio performance while accommodating the curved J-shape configuration, resolving the contradiction between forming a curved array and maintaining precise angular alignment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If the beam is fixed horizontally, then the initial alignment is precise, but the load shift from tensioning cannot be compensated, causing misalignment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinitial angular alignmentVSAvoidload alignment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The beam transitions from a fixed horizontal position to an angularly displaceable configuration, allowing it to adapt to load changes. This dynamic capability ensures both initial alignment precision and ongoing reliability under varying load conditions throughout the array formation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates feedback through the angular displacement mechanism, where the beam's angle adjusts in response to load shifts caused by tensioning. This feedback loop maintains proper alignment by automatically compensating for centre of gravity changes as the array is formed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3863297B1Loudspeaker rigging apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.03.05 FUNKTION ONE RESEARCH LTD
  • EP3863297B1 patent drawingFigure 1(a)~2
  • EP3863297B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3863297B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A loudspeaker rigging apparatus (100) for suspending a plurality of loudspeakers from temporary or permanent structure. The loudspeaker rigging apparatus (100) comprises a beam (102) configured to be secured to an uppermost speaker in an array of speakers (106) and a trolley (121) coupled to the beam (102) and moveable along at least part of a length of the beam (102). The trolley (121) comprises a rigging point (110) configured for connection to the rigging or scaffold, and the beam (102) may be angularly displaced with respect to a horizontal plane when the rigging point (110) is connected to the rigging or scaffold.