Stacking Guides for Modular Stage Support Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stage support structures for entertainment venues face challenges in efficient storage and transportation due to their complex and bulky nature, requiring frequent disassembly and reassembly, which increases logistical costs and space requirements.
Innovation Solution
A support member system featuring elongated members connected to form a rigid structure with integrated stacking guides that allow for efficient alignment and stacking of additional support members, reducing space occupation and facilitating easier transportation by distributing weight across multiple points, thereby enhancing storage and transport efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If support members are made complex and bulky to provide adequate structural support and equipment mounting capacity, then the load-bearing capability and versatility are improved, but the storage space requirement and transportation difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple identical modular support members that can be independently stored and transported. Each member is a complete functional unit capable of supporting equipment, allowing them to be stored compactly in nested configurations and assembled only when needed at the event venue.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed with nested stacking capability where one support member can be placed inside or alongside another in a compact nested configuration. The elongated members and rigid structures interlock to form a space-efficient nested stack that minimizes storage volume while maintaining full structural functionality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If support members are frequently assembled and disassembled for different venues and configurations, then the adaptability and versatility are improved, but the time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The support system consists of standardized modular members that can be quickly assembled and disassembled at different venues. Each member is a self-contained unit with consistent connection interfaces, allowing for rapid configuration changes without requiring complex assembly procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members are designed as universal components that can be used across multiple venues and event types with the same basic structure. The standardized design eliminates the need for custom assembly at each location, allowing the same members to be deployed repeatedly with minimal preparation time.
3Ease of manufacture
If support members are designed as single large units to simplify structure, then the manufacturing simplicity is improved, but the storage efficiency and transportation ease deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple identical modular members rather than manufactured as a single large unit. This segmentation allows each member to be manufactured using simple, standardized processes and then efficiently stored and transported in nested configurations, improving overall productivity while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular support members are designed to nest within each other or alongside each other in compact configurations, dramatically improving storage efficiency and transportation ease compared to single large units. The nested design allows multiple members to occupy minimal space while remaining individually manufacturable and structurally sound.
Data Source
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AI summary
An example of support member is provided. The support member includes a plurality of elongated members connected to form a first elongated rigid structure. In addition, the support member includes a first elongated member of the plurality of elongated members disposed proximate to a first edge of the first elongated rigid structure with a first member top surface. The support member further includes a first stacking guide disposed on the first elongated member wherein a first attachment top surface is to slope toward the first member top surface. Also, the support member includes a second elongated member of the plurality of elongated members disposed proximate to a second edge of the first elongated rigid structure with a second member top surface. The second edge is opposite the first edge. The support member also includes a second stacking guide disposed on the second elongated member.