Foldable Mobile Stage Roof and Deck for Low-Profile Towing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mobile stages are excessively tall, leading to reduced fuel economy, potential overhead obstructions, and instability in gusty conditions, and cannot be easily stored or set up as a deck-only stage or deck-over trailer due to their heavy roof systems and high profile design.
Innovation Solution
A mobile performance stage with a configurable frame and extensible deck and roof wings that can be selectively deployed and stowed, allowing conversion between standard stage, low-profile trailer, enclosed cargo trailer, and deck-over trailer configurations, utilizing a multi-bar system for support and elevation, and a cable and winch system for roof canopy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If current mobile stages use tall trailers with high profile, then the stage structure is stable and robust, but fuel economy is reduced, overhead obstructions are hit, and stability in gusty conditions deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the trailer height adjustable through extendable upright frame members that can be raised or lowered. The upright frame members can be selectively extended to provide stability when needed and retracted to reduce height for fuel economy and storage, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and trailer height.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the trailer structure into separate extendable upright frame members that can be independently adjusted. This segmentation allows the height to be modified without compromising the overall structural integrity, as each segment can be adjusted while maintaining support for the deck and roof components.
2Reliability
If current mobile stages use heavy roof systems with fiberglass panels and hydraulic systems, then the roof provides adequate coverage and support, but the overall weight increases requiring large trucks for towing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the heavy hydraulic lifting system and replaces it with a manual crank mechanism. The roof support function is maintained through the extensible upright frame members that can be raised manually, eliminating the need for heavy hydraulic components while preserving the roof's coverage and support capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive, heavy hydraulic systems with simpler, lighter mechanical components including crank mechanisms and manual lifting devices. This substitution reduces weight and cost while maintaining the essential function of roof support and coverage.
3Reliability
If current mobile stages have fixed roof systems that cannot be removed, then the stage provides complete coverage, but it cannot be configured as a deck-only stage or deck-over trailer
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the roof system removable and reconfigurable. The upright frame members and roof components can be selectively assembled or disassembled, allowing the stage to transition between complete coverage mode and deck-only or deck-over trailer configurations, thus providing both reliability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the roof system into separate removable components including the main roof element and roof wings that can be independently assembled or detached. This segmentation enables flexible reconfiguration where the roof can be completely removed for deck-only use or partially assembled for different operational modes.
4Area of stationary object
If current mobile stages store deck wings and roof wings in vertical position, then the wings are compact for storage, but the trailer height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by enabling the wings to be stored in multiple orientations including horizontal and angled positions rather than only vertical. The extensible upright frame members and hinged wing connections allow wings to be folded back horizontally or at angles, reducing vertical height while maintaining compact storage footprint.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the wing storage position dynamic through hinged connections and extensible support members that allow the wings to be positioned at various angles. This dynamic positioning capability enables compact horizontal storage that minimizes trailer height while maintaining easy accessibility for deployment.
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile performance stage is configurable between a compact transport condition to a performance condition with expanding deck wings and expanding canopy wings. The deck wings are carried directly on top of the main trailer deck and roll on tracks to deploy to the performance condition. The roof canopy includes a main roof element and two foldable roof wings. The roof wings pivot from fully open to a fully closed stowed condition below the main roof element to reduce the height of the stage when transported. Lift columns are hinged to reduce height. The roof wings may also be stored in a vertical position to provide side walls for a cargo trailer configuration. The roof may also be completely removed to form a deck only stage.