Truss Leg Carriage Rotational Hinge Transport Conversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing truss designs for automated lighting fixtures face challenges in efficiently converting between transport and use configurations, with issues such as misalignment, binding, and increased labor and time requirements, particularly in the Dodd/Tyler approach, which complicates the handling and storage of leg carriages.
Innovation Solution
The design introduces a telescoped leg carriage system that allows for rotational hinging and simplified conversion between transport and use modes, eliminating the need for reinsertion and reducing the effort required, while also providing greater clearance for motors and rigging, and incorporating captive stiffeners for stability and ease of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the Dodd/Tyler approach is used for converting between transport and use configurations, then fixtures can be pre-installed within the truss structure, but misalignment and binding issues occur during conversion
Solution Approach 1:
The leg carriage is divided into separate modular components including the leg assembly, carriage body, and fixture mounting mechanisms. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, assembled, and adjusted, eliminating misalignment issues during conversion between transport and use configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The truss structure and leg carriages are pre-assembled and pre-positioned in the correct configuration before final installation. This preliminary assembly ensures proper alignment and prevents binding issues during the conversion process, as all components are already in their correct relative positions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual handling of leg carriages is required for configuration changes, then flexibility is maintained, but time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The leg carriage incorporates telescopic legs with locking mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment between extended and retracted positions. This dynamic design allows rapid conversion between transport and use configurations without requiring manual disassembly or complex handling procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The leg carriage includes self-aligning features and automatic locking mechanisms that enable the structure to convert between configurations without external assistance. The telescopic legs automatically position themselves, and locking pins engage predetermined positions, eliminating the need for manual alignment and reducing conversion time.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed angle hinges are used for joining truss sections, then structural stability is improved, but the range of adjustable angles is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge connections between truss sections are designed with adjustable locking positions that allow the structure to be set at multiple predetermined angles. This dynamic adjustment capability maintains structural stability at each configured angle while providing versatility for different spatial arrangements and lighting configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism incorporates multiple locking positions corresponding to different angular parameters. By changing the locked parameter (angle) rather than the fundamental connection type, the truss achieves both stability at each position and adaptability across multiple configurations.
4Productivity
If automated lighting fixtures are pre-installed in the truss, then labor at venue is reduced, but handling and storage of heavy fixtures becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The leg carriages and fixture assemblies are designed to nest within each other when in the retracted or transport position. This nesting capability allows heavy automated fixtures to be compactly stored within the truss structure itself, eliminating the need for separate storage space and reducing handling complexity during transport and setup.
Data Source
AI summary
A truss structure is suitable for supporting lighting fixtures or other loads both in use and in transport. The truss has at least four elongated chords defining between said chords a first volume generally rectangular in cross-section. In transport, the truss is supported substantially above a surface by castered carriages bearing upon that surface, the carriages connected to said truss and in a first position producing an additional volume between said first volume and said surface. The carriages are attached to the truss so as to permit their rotation between said first position and at least a second position suitable for use while remaining connected to said truss.