Loudspeaker Rigging Links with Stowed Pivot and Splay Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing loudspeaker rigging systems face difficulties in adjusting splay angles accurately and safely, as current methods are cumbersome and prone to misalignment, and maneuvering links can be hazardous due to the need to physically handle them.
Innovation Solution
A new rigging side frame design with pivot and splay adjustment links featuring gripping structures, guide channels, and an array of pin holes for precise incremental angle adjustments, allowing easy alignment and secure pinning of links within the frame, reducing the risk of injury and misalignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cam plate adjustment method is used to set splay angle, then splay angle adjustment is achieved, but the adjustment process is difficult and prone to hole alignment misses
Solution Approach 1:
The link incorporates self-aligning features including a cam surface that automatically guides the cam follower into proper alignment, and a tapered pin that self-centers in the circular hole during insertion. This eliminates the need for precise manual hole alignment while maintaining accurate splay angle settings.
Solution Approach 2:
A cam surface acts as an intermediary between the adjustment mechanism and the link positioning. The cam surface profile translates rotational movement into precise linear positioning of the link, enabling accurate splay angle adjustment without requiring direct manual alignment of multiple holes.
2Ease of operation
If links are made maneuverable for easy assembly, then assembly ease is improved, but links may fall to ground if dropped
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining arm acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the link and the external environment. The retaining arm extends into the stow channel to physically block the link from falling out, while not interfering with the link's maneuverability during normal assembly and adjustment operations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of pinning locations is increased for more adjustment options, then splay angle adjustment versatility is improved, but the complexity of the rigging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splay angle adjustment range is segmented into multiple discrete positions, each corresponding to a specific pin hole location on the link. This allows for versatile angle adjustment while maintaining a simple, modular structure where each pin hole represents a distinct, pre-determined angle setting.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigging system transitions from a fixed configuration to a dynamically adjustable configuration through the array of pin holes. The link can be positioned at multiple angles and secured at each position, providing adaptability without requiring a completely reconfigurable complex mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A side frame for a loudspeaker rigging system has a frame structure mountable to the side of a loudspeaker, and links associated with the frame structure for linking together the corners of the frame structures of vertically adjacent side frames. The links associated with each side frame structure include a pivot link and splay adjustment link, each of which has a top extended end and a base end. Stow channels, which are preferably located in the bottom corner regions of the frame structure, contain the pivot link and splay adjustment link in the frame structure. A gripping structure associated with at least one, and preferably each link of the pivot and splay adjustment links allows a user to easily maneuver a link from its stowed to its deployed position. The extended end of the splay adjustment link includes at least two, and preferably an array of pin holes which can selectively be matched with one pin hole within a row of pin holes in a bottom corner region of the side frame to permit adjustments of the splay angle over a range of angles. Suitably, two rows of pin holes are provided in the top extended end of the splay adjustment link to permit multiple and incrementally small splay angle adjustments.In the preferred embodiment, the frame structure is comprised of an assembly of parts comprised of a center core structure sandwiched between two side plates.