Modular electronic production equipment support structures, module connectors and modules therefor, and related installations and methods
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for deploying video production equipment require custom, bulky, and heavy mobile production units or flight packs that are inefficient for shipping and setup, leading to high costs and lengthy setup times, especially when configurations need to be changed for different events.
Innovation Solution
A modular equipment support system comprising stackable modules with connector pins and receivers that allow for quick assembly and reconfiguration of production furniture, enabling flexible and efficient setup and transportation of electronic production equipment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom mobile production units are used, then equipment support and production functionality are improved, but weight and shipping cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The production unit is divided into modular components: equipment racks, furniture pieces, and support structures that can be separately shipped and assembled on-site. This segmentation allows only the necessary components to be transported, reducing overall shipping weight while maintaining full production functionality through modular assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The heavy custom-built enclosure and support structures are extracted from the shipping configuration. Equipment is shipped in standardized flight packs without the permanent custom furniture, and the support structures are assembled on-site from separate components, separating the shipping function from the production function.
2Loss of time
If equipment is shipped in flight packs, then shipping cost and setup time are reduced, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Standardized connection interfaces and universal mounting structures are used across all furniture pieces and equipment racks. The same connection mechanisms, fasteners, and alignment features are employed throughout the system, allowing workers to assemble different components using the same procedures and tools, thereby reducing assembly complexity despite the modular nature of the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If custom equipment furniture is used, then production functionality is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
Custom production furniture is segmented into standardized modular components that can be manufactured using conventional, cost-effective processes. Each furniture piece is designed as an independent module with standard dimensions and connection points, allowing for efficient manufacturing and assembly while maintaining the adaptability needed for different production configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
Standardized connection interfaces and mounting structures are used across all furniture pieces, allowing the same components to serve multiple functions and be used in various configurations. This universality reduces manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining the versatility needed for different production scenarios.
4Reliability
If equipment is configured for production use, then production readiness is improved, but shipping efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The production system is segmented into discrete modular components that can be compactly packaged for shipping. Equipment racks, furniture pieces, and support structures are separated into individual shipping units that can be efficiently stacked and transported, reducing overall shipping volume while maintaining the ability to assemble a complete production system on-site.
Data Source
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AI summary
Stackable modules and systems of stackable modules for making electronic production equipment furniture for use in mobile and/or non-mobile production facilities. Each stackable module includes one or more types of connection members that allow the module to be securely connected to another stackable module when the modules are stacked with one another for deployment and/or shipping. In some embodiments, quick-connect pins are used to secure the modules together via corresponding sets of the connection members on adjacent ones of the modules. The stackable modules are provided in differing shapes and configurations, some of which are for specific pieces of electronic equipment and others of which can accommodate any of a variety of pieces of electronic equipment. Stackable modules and production furniture made therewith can have numerous benefits, including, relative ease of shipping, ease of set up and tear down, and reconfigurability to suit differing needs.