Portable Stage Height Adjustment and Guardrail Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable stage systems lack sufficient access to the space below the stage decks for storage and cable routing, and the height adjustments are difficult to make without accessing elements near the floor, leading to irregular surfaces and potential tripping hazards. Additionally, the mounting of guardrails directly to the stage decks is not as strong as desired.
Innovation Solution
A modular stage system with a foldable framework that allows access beneath the stage decks, height adjustments made from above, and guardrails mounted to the framework assembly rather than the decks, using pin connectors and telescoping elements for support and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a lattice type framework with cross supports is used to support removable decks, then structural support is provided, but access to the space below the stage decks is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The framework is divided into modular components including vertical posts, horizontal beams, and cross supports that can be independently positioned. This segmentation allows selective placement of support elements to maintain structural integrity while creating open access paths beneath the deck for storage and cable routing.
Solution Approach 2:
The design incorporates vertical adjustment capability through telescoping legs and height-adjustable posts, adding a vertical dimension to the framework structure. This allows the framework to provide support at multiple heights while maintaining open space below the deck for access.
2Ease of operation
If height adjustments are made by changing leg position near the floor, then height adjustment is achieved, but access to adjustment elements is difficult when stage surface is large and extended
Solution Approach 1:
A threaded rod acts as an intermediary mechanism connecting the adjustment element to the leg structure. The threaded rod translates rotational motion into linear vertical adjustment, allowing height changes to be made from above the deck while maintaining structural support. This intermediary mechanism makes the adjustment accessible from the top surface rather than requiring access near the floor.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adjusting height from below by moving the leg base, the adjustment mechanism is inverted to operate from above the deck. The threaded adjustment rod extends upward through the deck, allowing users to make height adjustments from the top surface, which is much more accessible on large extended stages.
3Ease of manufacture
If guardrails are mounted directly to the stage decks, then guardrail installation is simplified, but the connection strength is insufficient compared to framework mounting
Solution Approach 1:
The guardrail mounting system is merged with the framework structure by attaching guardrails directly to the vertical posts and horizontal beams. This integration allows guardrails to benefit from the framework's structural strength while maintaining relatively simple installation through pre-drilled mounting holes and standardized brackets.
Data Source
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AI summary
A portable stage (100, 200, 300) includes a folding framework (102) supporting a removable deck (104). The framework includes opposing folding end framework assemblies and opposed side framework assemblies. The framework folds from an extended position for use and a folded positon wherein the framework is compact for storage. The side framework assemblies each include corner columns connected by angled portions having a V configuration forming an open space below the deck. The decks connect with pin connectors that extend into through holes in the deck. The pin connectors having a threaded connector supporting a pin (146) that provides for relative axial movement when the pin is rotated from above to adjust stage height. Removable guardrails include mounting brackets that attach to the pin connectors.