Microphone stand

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Revision as of 22:50, 20 September 2007

This page was compiled as a project for the 24-441 Engineering Design Course at Carnegie Mellon University.

Executive Summary

Customer Needs

This device is primarily a precision positioning mechanism that can move in any direction. It is designed such that it has multiple degrees of freedom to increase the usability for the user. Some of the main users are disc jockeys and radio stations who need a stand for their microphones. This microphone was designed to be a hands-free device and would eliminate the need for the user to have to physically hold the microphone in a particular location.

Another need that is addressed by the product is the small footprint that it has and the overall size of the device. Most radio stations are cluttered and microphones may get lost. The device takes up a small portion of the table and can extend outward in any direction. This device is also easily portable which is beneficial for users who have to move or store equipment around.

This unit is also durable due to material that was used to create it. Bent sheet metal is very strong and the injection molded parts are fairly durable as well. Parts are coupled in pairs for strength and stability.

Function of System

The stand is attached to a surface by a clamp. The 2” rod that protrudes out from the bottom of the stand attaches to the clamp and can swivel 360°. The springs attached to the upper section of the stand create an opposing force to the microphone itself. The spring force creates a moment around point A as shown in Figure 1. This moment counteracts the moment caused by the force created by the microphone. The upper bar linkages can move together respective of point A. They are fixed together by a ¼” bolt and angled plates (point B). As long as the microphone is being adjusted lower than it’s equilibrium position without a microphone as shown in Figure 2, the lower spring does not stretch or compress. Once the upper section moves above the

Product Dissection