Percussion Stand Knuckle Assembly With Cam Lock Positioning

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Percussion instrument stands are prone to 'walking' due to impact energy, leading to increased setup time and fatigue, and lack effective locking mechanisms for secure positioning without high torque application, especially during high-energy performances.

Innovation Solution

An articulating instrument support structure with gas springs and cam locks allows for real-time repositioning and secure locking without deformation, using matching radius cams to minimize torque and prevent damage to gas springs, and incorporating self-leveling legs for easy setup.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If steel construction with radially larger base is used to mitigate stand walking, then stability is improved, but weight increases making transport difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestand stabilityVSAvoidstand weight

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the material parameter from steel to aluminum alloy, achieving a 50% weight reduction while maintaining stability through optimized structural design and base geometry rather than relying solely on material density

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The stand is divided into modular components including telescoping legs with locking mechanisms, allowing the structure to achieve stability through distributed support points and adjustable configuration rather than monolithic heavy construction

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If locking mechanisms are used to hold trial playing positions, then position stability is improved, but torque application becomes uncomfortable and fatiguing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidtorque application ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional high-torque locking mechanisms with a cam-based locking system that converts small rotational motion into secure positioning, eliminating the need for performer to apply significant torque while maintaining position stability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam locking mechanism is designed to self-lock automatically when engaged, maintaining instrument position without requiring continuous torque application or manual intervention from the performer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If fixed memory stops are provided on telescoping tubes, then positioning options are improved, but adaptability for additional vertical and rotational positioning deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition precisionVSAvoidpositioning adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from fixed memory stops to a dynamic cam-based locking system that allows continuous positioning along the telescoping tubes, enabling both precise positioning and unlimited adaptability for additional vertical and rotational adjustments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If standard locking mechanisms are used to secure instrument position, then security during high energy performances is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to high torque requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition securityVSAvoidtorque application ease

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces standard high-torque locking mechanisms with a cam-based system that achieves secure locking during high-energy performances through mechanical advantage, allowing the performer to operate the mechanism easily without applying significant torque

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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

Enables hands-free, efficient setup and secure positioning of percussion instruments, reducing setup time and fatigue, while maintaining stability during high-energy performances.

Implementation Method 1

An articulating instrument support structure with gas springs and cam locks allows for real-time repositioning and secure locking

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas spring:

Implementation Method 2

using matching radius cams to minimize torque and prevent damage to gas springs

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCam mechanism: Cam

Data Source

PatentUS20250322814A1Percussion Instrument Positioning System

Publication Date: 2025.10.16 RANDALL MAY INTERNATIONAL INC

AI summary

A knuckle assembly has a mounting base mounted on a vertical support structure. The mounting base is vertically repositionable along the vertical support structure. At least one knuckle is supported on the mounting base. The at least one knuckle is configured to couple to a percussion instrument. The at least one knuckle is rotationally repositionable with respect to the vertical support structure.