Tapered Support Cone for Hand-Assembled Video Module Platform

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing platform systems require tools for assembly and disassembly, are prone to misalignment, lack stability, and do not easily accommodate video modules for displaying complex moving images, making them difficult for individuals with little technical skill to assemble and disassemble.

Innovation Solution

A platform system with a video module assembly that includes a receiving member and video modules with light emitting devices, featuring a support cone with tapered surfaces for easy engagement and disengagement, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly by hand, and providing stability and alignment for video modules.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional locking mechanisms are used for assembly and disassembly, then structural stability can be achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is divided into multiple components including a support body, support arm, and platform assembly that can be independently manipulated and connected. This segmentation allows each component to be assembled and disassembled separately using simple manual operations while maintaining overall structural integrity when connected.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support arm is designed to nest within the support body, and the platform assembly can be nested or attached to the support arm. This nesting arrangement enables compact storage and easy manual handling during assembly and disassembly, while providing stable interconnected structures when assembled.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If complex locking mechanisms are used to ensure stability, then structural reliability improves, but assembly complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure incorporates self-aligning features and self-locking mechanisms that automatically engage when components are brought together. The support arm and platform assembly have built-in alignment guides and engagement features that ensure proper positioning and stable connection without requiring complex external locking devices or technical expertise for assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional platform systems are used, then structural support is provided, but video module integration is difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevideo module integrationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The platform assembly is designed with universal mounting features and standardized interfaces that can accommodate various video module types. The platform structure includes integrated mounting surfaces, electrical connection points, and alignment features that enable different video modules to be easily attached and integrated into the support system without requiring custom modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If modular components are used for easy transport, then ease of assembly improves, but alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The support arm and platform assembly incorporate asymmetric alignment features such as keyed interfaces, shaped engagement surfaces, and position-specific mounting points. These asymmetric features ensure that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, providing precise alignment automatically during manual assembly without requiring complex alignment procedures or specialized tools.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables easy assembly and disassembly of platform systems by hand, reduces assembly errors, increases stability, and allows for the display of complex moving video images, making it suitable for use in stage performances.

Implementation Method 1

The support cone has a tapered inner surface and a tapered outer surface. The outer surface and the casing forming a cavity capable of receiving a corresponding tapered footing structure. The inner surface and outer surface are engagable with mating tapered surfaces.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTapered surface engagement: Geometry

Data Source

PatentUS9082325B2Platform system, video module assembly, and process of assembling platform system
Publication Date: 2015.07.14 TAIT TOWERS MANUFACTURING LLC
  • US9082325B2 patent drawing
  • US9082325B2 patent drawing
  • US9082325B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A platform system having a video module assembly. The video module assembly includes a receiving member and a first video module removably secured to the receiving member. The video module includes an array of light emitting devices, and the receiving member is configured to directly or indirectly detachably secure a second video module.