Speaker Rigging Cam Mechanism for Splay Angle Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rigging systems for line array speakers lack a compact and efficient mechanism for adjusting a wide range of splay angles, particularly in compression configurations, which affects the uniform sound coverage in both near and far fields.
Innovation Solution
A speaker rigging assembly with a cam system having multiple offset cam surfaces and a link mechanism that allows for precise adjustment of splay angles between adjacent speakers, enabling a large splay angle range with small increments and distributing weight over a large bearing surface without fasteners.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional rigging system uses a simple link mechanism without cam surfaces, then the structure is simpler, but the ability to adjust splay angles precisely and over a wide range is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete cam surfaces, each corresponding to a specific splay angle setting. This segmentation allows the system to provide precise angular adjustments at distinct positions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure. Each cam surface is offset at a different radial distance from the pivot point, creating discrete angular settings without requiring a complex continuous adjustment mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigging system incorporates a dynamic cam mechanism that allows the splay angle to be adjusted between fixed positions. The cam surface offsets create a dynamic adjustment capability where the link can engage with different cam surfaces to change the splay angle, providing adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity through the use of a single cam component with multiple functional surfaces.
2Strength
If the rigging system uses a compression configuration with cam mechanism, then the load capacity is enhanced, but the mechanism for adjusting splay angles becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The cam mechanism is merged with the existing rigging structure in a compression configuration, where the cam and link work together with the speaker assembly weight to provide both structural support and angular adjustment. This merging allows the same mechanism to serve dual purposes: maintaining load capacity through the compression configuration while providing splay angle adjustment through the cam surface offsets, without requiring separate independent systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism is designed to utilize the weight of the speaker assembly itself to drive the adjustment mechanism. In compression configuration, the downward force from the speaker weight presses the link against the cam surfaces, automatically engaging the appropriate splay angle setting without requiring additional actuation forces or complex control systems. The system uses its own load to enable the adjustment function.
3Manufacturing precision
If the cam surfaces are offset at different radial distances to provide multiple splay angles, then the adjustment precision is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Each cam surface is designed with specific local geometric properties tailored to its function. The offset radial distances are carefully selected to provide precise splay angle increments, and each surface's curvature and positioning are optimized for its specific angular setting. This local quality approach allows for precise angular control while keeping each individual cam surface relatively simple to manufacture, as each is a discrete feature rather than a complex continuous profile.
Data Source
AI summary
A speaker assembly rigging system is provided with a first frame and a second frame that is adapted to couple to the first frame. The system includes a cam and a link. The cam is pivotally connected to the first frame about a pivot point. The cam includes at least two cam surfaces, and each of the at least two cam surfaces are offset at a different radial distance from the pivot point corresponding to a splay angle. The link has a proximal end that is pivotally connected to the second frame and a distal end having a contact surface. The link extends from the second frame in a deployed position such that the contact surface engages one of the cam surfaces.