Modular Acoustic Shell with Suspended Rigging for Stage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large stage musical performers face difficulties in hearing each other due to varying on-stage acoustic environments, which are inconsistent across different venues, making it challenging to maintain both clear communication and effective sound diffusion for the audience.
Innovation Solution
A modular acoustic shell comprising curved arches and trusses, with acoustically active and inactive panels, that creates a consistent sonic space by absorbing reflected sounds and distributing weight through rigging motors and C-shaped supports, allowing for easy transportation and assembly across different venues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a large stage shell is constructed to provide sound diffusion for the audience, then the acoustic environment for the audience is improved, but the weight load on the stage floor becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies counterweight principles by using rigging motors and cables suspended from the rigging grid to support the upper rows of acoustic panels and the C-shaped support structure. This transfers the weight load from the stage floor to the overhead rigging system, allowing the shell to provide comprehensive sound diffusion without excessive floor loading.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a floor-supported structure to a hybrid support system that utilizes the vertical dimension by suspending components from the overhead rigging grid. This dimensional shift allows the acoustic shell to achieve full coverage for audience sound diffusion while distributing structural loads across both floor and overhead support systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If acoustic panels are added to improve sound diffusion, then the acoustic environment is enhanced, but the complexity of the structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the acoustic shell into modular components including multiple rows of acoustic panels, curved arches, and C-shaped supports that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows for flexible assembly and disassembly while maintaining effective sound diffusion across the entire shell structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements in the acoustic shell structure, allowing panels and supports to be dynamically positioned and adjusted. This dynamic capability enables the complex structure to be adapted for different performance configurations and venues while maintaining sound diffusion effectiveness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the shell structure is made portable for tour use, then versatility across venues is improved, but the structural stability is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs segmented modular components including separate acoustic panels, arch sections, and support elements that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This modular segmentation enables the shell to be transported between venues while maintaining structural integrity when assembled, achieving both portability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the acoustic shell with universal connection mechanisms and standardized components that can be configured for different venue specifications. The C-shaped supports and rigging integration provide multi-functional capability, allowing the same structure to be deployed across various stage types while maintaining structural stability through consistent assembly protocols.
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 solution enables performers to communicate naturally while maintaining high-quality sound diffusion for the audience, achieving a consistent acoustic environment that mimics small performance settings in large venues, enhancing intimacy and clarity without overloading any stage area.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of polygonal acoustic panels positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each acoustic panel having an inner acoustically active surface area
Implementation Method 2
acts as a large diffuser for absorbing reflected sounds, and which creates as close to the same sonic space as possible in every venue
Data Source
AI summary
A method of erecting an acoustic shell for stage performances, the shell have frame defining a concave volume that is curved in two orthogonal planes and has an inner surface facing forwardly of a stage for a performance. A plurality of polygonal acoustic panels are positioned in the frame and spaced in rows and column along the inner surface, each panel having an outer acoustically active surface. The frame is formed of plural curved trusses each with a base for support on the stage and a peak. An oculus ring is connected to the peak of each arch and the bases of the arches are space along a bottom curve of the concave volume. The panels comprise plural adjacent blocks in rows and columns, each with a base and inner closed end, the length of each block being different for adjacent blocks.