Music Stand Angle Adjuster With Recessed Catching Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional keyboard instruments with complex two-joint hinges are costly to manufacture, impossible to angle-adjust, and prone to breakage when loaded, requiring multiple special hinges and limiting functionality.
Innovation Solution
An angle adjuster with parallel thick portions and a recessed intermediate portion featuring catching surfaces, allowing for easy assembly, load support, and angle adjustment using a simple two-fold hinge and support bar configuration, manufactured through extrusion molding to reduce costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex two-joint hinge is used to support the music stand, then the music stand can be raised and set up, but the manufacturing cost increases and the hinge may break under load
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge is divided into two separate single-joint hinges instead of one complex two-joint hinge. Each hinge performs a specific function: the first hinge connects the music stand to the top plate, while the second hinge connects the support bar to the music stand. This segmentation simplifies each individual hinge structure, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while improving reliability through redundancy.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle adjuster combines multiple functions into a single integrated component: it provides angle adjustment through catching portions, structural support through thick portions, and hinge protection. By merging these functions, the design eliminates the need for additional separate components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If a complex two-joint hinge is used, then the music stand can be supported, but at least two special hinges are required which increases manufacturing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The support system is segmented into two separate single-joint hinges rather than requiring two complex two-joint hinges. This segmentation allows each hinge to be manufactured using simpler, more cost-effective processes while maintaining the overall support capability of the music stand.
Solution Approach 2:
The angle adjuster uses a support bar with a simple structure that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed. The catching portions provide a simple mechanical engagement system that is cost-effective compared to complex hinge mechanisms, aligning with the principle of using simpler, more economical components.
3Ease of operation
If the hinge is configured to fold the music stand, then the music stand can be compact, but angle adjustment is impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The angle adjuster introduces dynamic adjustability to the music stand system. The support bar can be positioned at different angles and secured by catching portions that engage with the thick portions at various positions. This allows the music stand to transition between a folded compact state and multiple upright viewing angles, combining foldability with angle adjustment capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The support bar acts as an intermediary element between the music stand and the angle adjuster. It transmits the adjustment mechanism's motion to the music stand, enabling angle changes while maintaining the foldable structure. The catching portions provide discrete angular positions, mediating between the need for compact folding and angle adjustment versatility.
4Volume of moving object
If the music stand is folded, then it is compact, but the hinge may break when load is applied from above
Solution Approach 1:
The load path is segmented and distributed across two separate single-joint hinges rather than concentrating stress on one complex hinge. The first hinge handles the connection between the music stand and top plate, while the second hinge manages the support bar connection. This distribution of mechanical loads reduces stress on each individual hinge, improving reliability under load while maintaining compact folded state.
Data Source
AI summary
An angle adjuster for a music stand includes: a pair of thick portions having a thickness equivalent to a thickness of a two-fold hinge in a folded state and arranged to be mutually parallel; and an intermediate portion arranged between the pair of thick portions and recessed relative to upper surfaces of the thick portions perpendicular to a thickness direction thereof. The intermediate portion includes a plurality of catching portions provided mutually parallely along a longitudinal direction of the thick portions, each of the catching portions being configured to catch one end of a support bar to support the music stand.