Timpani Foldable Leg Assembly for Compact Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional timpani instruments are difficult to transport and store due to their non-foldable pedal and legs, which occupy a large space.
Innovation Solution
A foldable leg assembly is integrated into the timpani, comprising pivotally attached legs and a bracket assembly that can be folded to reduce the overall volume, allowing for easier storage and transportation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the timpani uses a conventional non-foldable leg assembly, then the structural stability is maintained, but the volume occupied is large making it difficult to transport and store
Solution Approach 1:
The leg assembly is designed with pivotal connections that allow it to transition between fixed and folded positions. The legs can be rotated about pivot points to move from an extended stable configuration to a compact folded configuration, enabling dynamic adaptation between stability and compactness based on operational needs
Solution Approach 2:
The leg assembly is divided into multiple segments connected by pivotal joints. Each leg consists of at least two segments that can rotate relative to each other, allowing the structure to collapse into a compact form while maintaining stability when deployed. This segmentation enables the volume reduction without compromising the structural integrity during use
2Ease of operation
If the timpani uses a foldable leg assembly, then the ease of transport and storage is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket assembly is integrated with the leg structure through pivotal connections, combining the support function and the folding mechanism into a unified structure. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to a design where folding mechanisms are added as separate assemblies, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pivotal connections provide inherent mechanical advantage and natural stopping positions that simplify the folding operation. The design leverages gravity and mechanical geometry to guide the folding process, reducing the need for complex locking mechanisms or additional actuators, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
A timpani with a foldable leg assembly has a timpani frame with a bottom, two legs and a bracket assembly. The legs and the bracket assembly are pivotally attached separated from each other to the bottom of the timpani frame. When the timpani needs to be stored or transported, the legs and the bracket assembly can be fold to reduce the overall volume of the timpani and easily transport or store timpani.