Stackable Equipment Modules With Quick-Connect Assembly

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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, as they need to be assembled on-site and often require welding, which is not practical for remote or rapid deployments.

Innovation Solution

A modular equipment support system comprising stackable modules with connector pins and receivers that allow for quick assembly and reconfiguration, enabling the creation of various production furniture configurations without conventional fasteners, reducing shipping volume and weight, and allowing for flexible on-site setups.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If custom-welded equipment furniture and racks are used in mobile production units, then equipment support and stability are improved, but shipping volume and weight increase by 50% or more

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveequipment support stabilityVSAvoidshipping volume

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture system is divided into discrete, interchangeable modules (console modules, equipment racks, tables, chairs) that can be independently shipped and assembled. Each module is designed with standardized connection points, allowing the system to be segmented for efficient shipping while maintaining structural integrity when assembled.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The furniture system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, reconfigurable system. Modules can be easily assembled, disassembled, and reconfigured using simple connection mechanisms (such as cam-locks or quick-connectors), enabling the furniture to adapt to different production needs without requiring welding or permanent assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Strength

If custom-welded equipment furniture is used, then structural strength is improved, but setup time and on-site assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural strengthVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

All furniture modules are pre-fabricated with integrated connection points, mounting holes, and alignment features during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for on-site welding, drilling, or complex assembly operations, allowing rapid setup by simply connecting pre-designed interface points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional welding-based mechanical connection system is replaced with simplified mechanical fastening mechanisms such as cam-locks, bayonet connectors, or quick-release latches. These mechanisms provide structural strength equivalent to welding but can be assembled and disassembled rapidly without specialized equipment or skills.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Quantity of substance

If flight packs are designed to accommodate air freight shipping, then shipping cost is reduced, but equipment configuration flexibility and production readiness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveshipping costVSAvoidequipment configuration flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The furniture modules are designed with universal interfaces and standardized dimensions that allow them to serve multiple functions and configurations. The same console module or equipment rack can be adapted to different production scenarios, eliminating the need for custom-designed flight packs for each event type while maintaining configuration flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9924613B2Modular electronic production equipment support structures, module connectors and modules therefor, and related installations and methods

Publication Date: 2018.03.20 PRODN RESOURCE GROUP L L C

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.