Modular parabolic sound pickup assembly
View Patent ↗An acoustically isolated sound collection system having a modular component design for easier and more convenient in-the-field repair and replacement of damaged parts. The sound collection system is preferably handheld and includes a handle system that is vibrationally isolated from the reflector with tool-free, releasable, connections. The reflector is preferably made with a composite that comprises chopped carbon fiber segments and, optionally, continuous carbon fiber, Kevlar, or similar, strands embedded therein. The reflector of the invention shows enhanced amplification within the range of 20-60% relative to a conventional plastic reflector.
1 . A sound collection assembly comprising:
a. a sound reflector having (i) a closed, curved rear side; (ii) an open forward edge having an acoustic center; and (iii) a substantially planar, transverse lip integrally formed along substantially the entire length of said edge and extending outwardly from said acoustic center of said reflector;
b. a first eccentric locating pin mounted on said transverse lip laterally opposite a second eccentric locating pin mounted on said transverse lip diametrically opposite said first eccentric locating pin;
c. a support for a first sound pickup microphone extending between said first eccentric locating pin and said second eccentric locating pin, said support comprising: (i) a first arm that is releasably secured to a first engaging plate that connects to said first eccentric locating pin and which extends toward a geometric center of said transverse lip, (ii) a second arm that is releasably secured to a second engaging plate that connects to said second eccentric locating pin and which extends toward a geometric center of said transverse lip, (iii) a microphone connector located near a geometric center of said transverse lip, and (iv) a microphone support arm secured by said microphone connector that extends a microphone mounted thereon to an acoustic focal point of the sound reflector; and
d. at least a pair of handles, each of which is releasably attached to said lip and which extends rearwardly from said lip for a predetermined distance; whereby each connection between said first arm, said second arm and each of said handles is acoustically isolated from contact with said lip by at least one isolation bushing at each connection;
wherein the first eccentric locating pin has a chamfered top portion ( 29 ) that tapers outwardly to a second portion ( 30 ) having a first diameter ( 31 ) that is smaller than a first opening diameter ( 32 ) in the first engaging plate ( 13 ), a third portion ( 33 ) of reduced radius ( 34 ) below said second portion ( 30 ) that forms a friction fit with a second opening ( 35 ) in said first engaging plate ( 13 ), and a bottom portion ( 36 ) having a third diameter ( 37 ) that is the same or larger than said first diameter ( 31 ) of said second portion ( 30 ),
wherein said third diameter ( 37 ) is dimensioned to prevent said first engaging plate from becoming positioned below said third portion ( 33 ) and failing to engage with said reduced radius ( 34 ).
2 . A sound collection assembly according to claim 1 further comprising a sound isolation washer around said eccentric locating pin.