Speaker Array Suspension Locking Bars for Fast Pin-Free Rigging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for connecting adjacent speakers in a line array require removable fasteners, which can be cumbersome and time-consuming, and lack a concealed locking mechanism, leading to potential wear and noise during adjustments.
Innovation Solution
A suspension system with a frame and transverse rails that include a spring-biased bar and locking mechanisms with pinion gears and lever arms, allowing for manual adjustment and concealed locking without removable fasteners, enabling easy assembly and disassembly of speaker arrays.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If removable fasteners are used to connect adjacent speakers, then assembly and disassembly can be performed, but the process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is self-actuating through spring-loaded bars that automatically engage with speaker cabinets when brought together. The quick-release lever allows one-handed operation to simultaneously disengage multiple locking points, eliminating the need for manual removal of multiple fasteners and significantly reducing assembly and disassembly time
Solution Approach 2:
The suspension system divides the connection function into multiple independent spring-loaded bars (front, rear, and side bars) that can be individually engaged and disengaged. This segmentation allows the system to lock at multiple points simultaneously while enabling rapid release by acting on a single lever, resolving the contradiction between secure connection and quick assembly
2Adaptability or versatility
If removable fasteners are used for connection, then speakers can be assembled and disassembled, but wear and noise occur during adjustments
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces traditional threaded fasteners and manual adjustment mechanisms with a spring-loaded bar system that uses elastic deformation for adjustment. The bars can be flexed to engage or disengage from speaker cabinets without threading or clamping, eliminating the wear and noise associated with traditional mechanical fastening systems while maintaining full adjustability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded bars utilize changes in elastic parameters (flexing the bar) to transition between engaged and disengaged states. This parameter change approach allows for smooth, wear-free adjustment by simply flexing the bar rather than rotating fasteners or overcoming friction, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and wear/noise generation
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to the suspension system, then connection stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is merged with the structural bars themselves by incorporating spring-loaded locking elements directly into the suspension system framework. The same bars that provide structural support also perform the locking function by engaging with corresponding features on speaker cabinets, eliminating the need for separate locking mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high connection stability
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 system simplifies the connection and disconnection of speaker arrays by eliminating quick release pins, reduces manual adjustment time, and minimizes wear and noise during operation by self-aligning and automatically releasing locking mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The bar is spring biased away from a central portion of the base to the extended position for engaging a second suspension system of a vertically adjacent speaker
Data Source
AI summary
A suspension system for a speaker line array is provided with a base to mount to a first speaker cabinet. A rail extends transversely from the base. A bar is mounted relative to the rail between a stowed position and an extended position, wherein the bar is biased away from a central portion of the base to the extended position to contact another speaker or a support. A locking mechanism is driven by a transmission to lock the bar in the stowed position.