Decelerated musical instrument tuner and components thereof

Abstract

This disclosure relates to a toggle reducer or assembly, comprising: a housing having a central axis and a surface having a plurality of undulating portions substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis; a first driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a second axis parallel to and eccentric to the central axis; a second driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the second axis of the first driven member, a first surface, and a second surface, the first surface having a plurality of undulating portions engaging with the undulating portions of the housing surface, and the second surface having a plurality of undulating portions, wherein the undulating portions of the first surface and the undulating portions of the second surface are both parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member. The toggle reducer further includes a third driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a surface having a plurality of undulating portions substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the third driven member, and engaging with the undulating portions of the second surface of the second driven member.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to speed reducers, and more particularly to speed reducer geared musical instrument tuners.

[0002] Cross-reference to related applications

[0003] This application is an international application of U.S. Patent Application 18 / 427,140, ​​filed January 30, 2024, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference. Background Technology

[0004] A tuner for stringed instruments, also known as a tuning peg, tuner, instrument tuner, or string knob, is an essential component of such instruments, allowing musicians to adjust the tension and pitch of the strings on instruments such as guitars, violins, and basses. The purpose of a tuner is to achieve precise and stable tuning, which is crucial for achieving the desired pitch and harmony. This also ensures that the instrument remains in tune throughout a performance or practice session.

[0005] The history of tuners dates back hundreds of years, employing various designs and mechanisms to address the challenge of maintaining strings at the correct tension for optimal sound quality. For example, traditional friction pegs have been used for centuries on instruments such as the violin and viola. These pegs rely on friction to hold the strings in place, and while they have a classic and elegant appearance, they require manual adjustment, which can be challenging and time-consuming, especially for novice musicians.

[0006] In recent years, gear tuners have become standard equipment on many stringed instruments. These tuners use a mechanical gear mechanism, typically a worm and worm wheel, which provides mechanical advantages, making it easier for musicians to turn the tuning pegs and make precise adjustments to the string tension. Gears ensure a simpler and more consistent tuning process, even for those with less experience in the art of tuning. Gear tuners are particularly popular on acoustic and electric guitars.

[0007] In addition, digital tuners have been introduced in recent years. These devices use digital displays or LED lights to guide musicians to achieve accurate tuning. This approach can be further integrated with self-adjusting systems. These systems employ automated mechanisms to electronically adjust string tension and pitch. Self-adjusting systems can provide fast, precise tuning, reducing the need for manual adjustments. However, they are generally associated with higher costs, lower reliability, and are considered more complex because they require additional maintenance and may be beyond the reach of musicians who prefer a traditional or simpler tuning experience. They can also rely on mechanical or gear-based tuners.

[0008] There is a need for affordable, high-quality tuners that offer durable, low-maintenance, precise, and stable tuning while conforming to certain form factors compatible with traditional string instrument designs. There is also a demand for high-precision tuners that provide a means to expedite string changing. Simplified gearboxes with high mechanical efficiency are also required. Simplified gearboxes with non-reverse drive outputs are also needed. Simplified gearboxes that can be constructed as either reversible or non-reversible models with minor modifications are also required. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The following is a brief overview to provide a basic understanding of certain aspects of one or more embodiments of this disclosure. This overview is not a comprehensive summary, nor is it intended to identify key or essential elements of this disclosure or to limit its scope. Rather, its primary purpose is solely to introduce one or more concepts in a simplified form as a prelude to the detailed embodiments described below.

[0010] A toggle reducer is disclosed. The toggle reducer may include a housing having a central axis and a surface having a plurality of undulating portions (n1) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis. The toggle reducer may further include a first driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, wherein the first driven member may include a second axis parallel to and eccentric to the central axis of the housing. The toggle reducer may further include a second driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the second axis of the first driven member, and may include: a first surface having a plurality of undulating portions (n4) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member, and engaging with the undulating portions (n1) of the housing surface; and a second surface having a plurality of undulating portions (n2) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member. The reducer may further include a third driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a surface having a plurality of undulations (n3), wherein the undulations on the surface of the third driven member are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the third driven member, and engage with the undulations (n2) on the second surface of the second driven member. An embodiment of the button reducer may include: the number of undulations on the housing, the first gear surface, the second gear surface, and the output shaft surface is approximately 2 to approximately 100. The number of undulations (n1) on the housing, the number of undulations (n2) on the second surface of the second driven member, the number of undulations (n3) on the first surface of the second driven member, and the number of undulations (n4) on the surface of the third driven member can be determined using the following formula: θ 2 = 1 - n1·n2n3·n4, where θ2 represents the rotational direction of the third driven member. The button reducer may include at least one surface with multiple involute undulations. The button reducer may include at least one surface with multiple cylindrical undulations. The button reducer may include at least one surface with multiple curved undulations. The button reducer may include at least one surface with multiple helical undulations. The number of undulations on the first surface of the second driven member may not be equal to the number of undulations on the second surface of the second driven member. The button reducer may include an actuator coupled to the housing; the first driven member may be driven by the actuator. The actuator may be driven by an external power source. The button reducer may operate at a constant speed. The button reducer may operate at a non-constant speed. The third driven member may include an output receiving hole configured to receive musical instrument strings. The second driven member may include a single compound gear, which may include a first undulating surface and a second undulating surface. The button reducer may include a musical instrument string locking mechanism located within the third driven member. The second driven member may be configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member results in the same rotational direction of the third driven member. The second driven member can be configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member causes the opposite rotational direction of the third driven member. A plurality of undulations (n1) on the housing surface can be directed inward toward the central axis, a first surface undulation and a second surface undulation (n4 and n2) of the second driven member can be directed outward from the central axis of the second driven member, and a surface undulation (n3) of the third driven member can be directed inward toward the central axis. Alternatively, the plurality of undulations (n1) on the housing surface can be directed outward away from the central axis, the first surface undulation and the second surface undulation (n4 and n2) of the second driven member can be directed inward toward the central axis of the second driven member, and a surface undulation (n3) of the third driven member can be directed outward away from the central axis. The third driven member can have a first position along the central axis of the first housing, in which the surface undulation of the third driven member engages with the second surface undulation of the second driven member; and the third driven member has a second position along the central axis of the first housing, in which the surface undulation of the third driven member disengages from the second surface undulation of the second driven member. The knob reducer may further include a biasing element, wherein the third driven member is biased to a first position along the central axis of the housing.The toggle reducer may include at least one first driven member clutch tooth or undulation, wherein the first driven member may have a first position along the central axis of the housing, in which a first surface undulation of the second driven member engages with a surface undulation of the housing, and the at least one first driven member clutch tooth or undulation is disengaged from the surface undulation of the third driven member; the first driven member may have a second position along the central axis of the housing, in which the first surface undulation of the second driven member disengages from the surface undulation of the housing, and the at least one first driven member clutch tooth or undulation is engaged with the surface undulation of the third driven member. The toggle reducer may further include a biasing element, wherein the first driven member is biased to the first position along the central axis of the housing.

[0011] A knob assembly is disclosed. The knob assembly includes a plurality of knob reducers, each knob reducer including: a housing having a central axis and a surface having a plurality of undulations (n1) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis; a first driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, the first driven member including a second axis parallel and eccentric to the central axis of the housing; and a second driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the second axis of the first driven member, and including a first surface and a second surface, the first surface having a plurality of undulations (n4) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member and engaging with the undulations (n1) of the housing surface, the second surface having a plurality of undulations (n2) substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member, wherein the number of undulations on the second surface is not equal to the number of undulations on the first surface. The assembly may further include a third driven member having a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing and a surface having a plurality of undulations (n3), wherein the undulations on the surface of the third driven member are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the third driven member and engage with the undulations on the second surface of the second driven member. The assembly may further include at least one toggle reducer whose gear ratio is not equal to the gear ratio of at least one other toggle reducer. The assembly may further include a configuration where the second driven member of at least one toggle reducer is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member results in the same rotational direction of the third driven member. The assembly may further include a configuration where the second driven member of at least one toggle reducer is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member results in the opposite rotational direction of the third driven member.

[0012] The features, functions, and advantages already discussed can be implemented independently in various implementations or combined in other implementations, further details of which can be seen in the following description. Attached Figure Description

[0013] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the present teachings and, together with the specification, serve to explain the principles of this disclosure. In the figures: Figure 1A-1E This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0014] Figures 2A-2F This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0015] Figures 3A-3E This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0016] Figures 4A-4B This is a side view schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0017] Figures 5A-5B This is a side view schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0018] Figures 6A-6C These are, respectively, a front view, a side view, and a rear view of the upper neck portion of a guitar in a 3+3 configuration including a set of deceleration instrument tuners, according to this disclosure.

[0019] Figures 7A-7C These are, respectively, a side view, a front view, and a sectional view of the upper neck portion of a classical guitar in a 3+3 configuration including a set of deceleration instrument tuners, according to this disclosure.

[0020] Figures 8A-8C These are front, side, and rear views of the upper neck portion of a stringed instrument according to the present disclosure, the stringed instrument comprising a set of six deceleration instrument tuners in an inline configuration.

[0021] Figures 9A-9E This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0022] Figures 10A-10B This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure.

[0023] It should be noted that some details in the accompanying drawings have been simplified and drawn to facilitate understanding of this teaching, rather than to maintain strict structural accuracy, detail, and proportion. Detailed Implementation

[0024] Reference will now be made in detail to exemplary embodiments of this teaching, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Wherever possible, the same reference numerals will be used throughout the drawings to refer to the same, similar, or related parts.

[0025] This disclosure improves upon conventional gear-type instrument tuners (also known as tuning pegs). The tuner of this disclosure employs an eccentrically driven compound gear that meshes with or interacts with a fixed gear and also with a gear fixed to the output shaft. The tuner actuator is conveniently coaxially positioned with the tuning pin (also known as the output shaft), thereby providing non-reverse drive capability, potentially high reduction ratios, reverse rotation options, and means to expedite string changes.

[0026] As used herein, an eccentrically driven gear refers to a gear mechanism in which one gear is mounted off-center or eccentrically on its shaft or axis. Eccentrically driven gears may also be called offset gears, eccentric gears, non-concentric gears, planetary gears, cycloidal gears, or planetary gears. This eccentric journal mounting causes the gear to produce an eccentric cycloidal motion; in some applications, this motion can be used to cause the gear to rotate in the opposite direction to the input component due to meshing contact with the stationary gear.

[0027] As used herein, a compound gear, stacked gear, gear train, or gear assembly can be considered as a combination of two or more gears integrally formed or connected along a common axis to achieve mechanical gain or a specific transmission ratio. In the examples, compound gears can be used to transmit torque and speed between multiple gears in a single system.

[0028] When a gear is integrally formed or connected with a second concentric gear, and at least one of the teeth or undulations of the second concentric gear is different from the number of teeth or undulations of the first eccentric drive gear, the gear can be regarded as an eccentric drive compound gear; the rotation of the input shaft causes the compound gear to be eccentrically driven, and it rotates in the opposite direction of rotation because it first meshes with the internal fixed gear, and then provides decelerated rotational motion to the output shaft because it meshes with the internal movable gear integrally formed or connected to the output shaft.

[0029] In musical instrument tuner applications, the input shaft can be mounted coaxially or in a straight line with the output shaft. Reverse or non-reverse output rotation directions can also be produced by configuring the number of teeth or the number of undulations. A non-reverse drive function can also be achieved by configuring the number of teeth or the number of undulations.

[0030] This disclosure provides an example of a musical instrument tuner with a non-reverse drive function. This non-reverse drive function, also known as an irreversible characteristic, refers to a mechanism that resists or suppresses reverse motion, preventing external forces or torques from easily causing the system to move in the direction of the external force. Its principle is as follows: an external rotational force applied to the output shaft is transmitted through one or more teeth or undulations of the movable gear on the output shaft to one or more teeth or undulations of the second gear of the compound gear; the compound gear integrally transmits this rotational force to one or more teeth or undulations of its first gear; this rotational force is counteracted by one or more teeth or undulations of the fixed gear in the housing. The external rotational force is transmitted from the movable gear on the output shaft through the compound gear to the fixed gear, and does not produce a significant vector or component acting in a direction perpendicular to the eccentric axis, thus failing to effectively induce rotation or reverse drive input. This feature offers advantages in various applications, especially suitable for stringed instrument tuning applications where high precision and stability are required.

[0031] A reduction gear can be defined as a component in a mechanical system, or the system itself, designed to reduce the output speed of an input source while increasing the resulting output torque. In stringed instrument tuning applications, this feature can be used to precisely control the rotational speed and the resulting output position or torque.

[0032] The reduction tuner disclosed herein operates according to one or more gear ratios based on equations that may include multiple solutions for tuning and locking the strings to the tuner's output shaft. The gear train follows the following formula, namely equation (1): θ2 = 1 - [(n1 · n2) / (n3 · n4)] (1) Wherein, θ2 is defined as the rotation direction and amplitude of the output shaft caused by θ1, and θ1 is defined as the rotation direction and amplitude of the input knob; n1 is the number of teeth or undulations of the fixed component, n3 is the number of teeth or undulations of the output shaft, n4 is the number of teeth or undulations of the part of the compound gear that meshes with n1, and n2 is the number of teeth or undulations of the part of the compound gear that meshes with n3.

[0033] This equation allows the tuning knob of a deceleration instrument to be configured as non-reverse, meaning a clockwise (CW) input produces a clockwise (CW) output. The equation also allows it to be configured as reverse, meaning a clockwise (CW) input produces a counter-clockwise (CCW) output. When the input rotation direction is reversed, a counter-clockwise (CCW) input on a non-reverse deceleration instrument tuning knob produces a counter-clockwise (CCW) output, while a counter-clockwise (CCW) input on a reverse deceleration instrument tuning knob produces a clockwise (CW) output. In one example of a non-reversible arrangement, the fixed inner housing gear has 16 teeth or undulations (n1), the rotating inner output shaft gear has 15 teeth or undulations (n3), the first gear of the compound gear has 13 teeth or undulations (n4) and meshes with the 16 teeth or undulations of the fixed housing, and the second gear of the compound gear has 12 teeth or undulations (n2) and meshes with the 15 teeth or undulations of the output shaft. According to Equation (1): 1 - [(16×12) / (15×13)] = 1 - [192 / 195] ≈1 - 0.9846… ≈ 0.0154…; its reciprocal is approximately 1 / 0.0154…, i.e. 65, which corresponds to the commonly understood 65:1 gear ratio.

[0034] In one example of a reverse arrangement, the fixed inner housing gear has 15 teeth or undulations (n1), the rotating inner output shaft gear has 16 teeth or undulations (n3), the first gear of the compound gear has 12 teeth or undulations (n4) and meshes with the 15 teeth or undulations of the fixed housing, and the second gear of the compound gear has 13 teeth or undulations (n2) and meshes with the 16 teeth or undulations of the output shaft. According to equation (1), 1 - [(15×13) / (16×12)] = 1 - [195 / 192] = 1 - 1.015625 = -0.015625; its reciprocal is 1 / -0.015625, i.e. -64, which corresponds to the commonly understood -64:1 transmission ratio.

[0035] This arrangement, further described with reference to the accompanying figures, allows string instruments to be fitted with any combination of deceleration tuning pegs, with each peg having a practically feasible combination of different input-output ratios. This arrangement also allows string instruments to be fitted with any combination of deceleration tuning pegs with non-reverse output, reverse output, or both, which can be used for "3 up 3 down" or "3+3", "line 6", classical and reverse hand-type instruments, and any tuning arrangement or configuration. Although examples of string instrument tuners and their components are given herein, the concepts and arrangements described herein can also be used for hoists, winches, musical instruments, tools, or other mechanical systems that can take advantage of the above advantages. The input can be manually driven, or driven by cables, wheels, pulleys, rollers, cranks, levers, gears, racks, chains, sprockets, belts, linkages, clutches, friction drives, engines, motors, actuators, gearboxes, or gear trains, but is not limited thereto; it can also be driven directly by the output shaft of a power source. The output can drive cables, wheels, pulleys, rollers, cranks, levers, gears, racks, chains, sprockets, belts, linkages, clutches, friction drives, actuators, transmissions, lead screws, ball screws, crushers, mixers, elevators, robotic arms, robot joints, doors, or gear trains, but is not limited thereto. The concepts and arrangements described herein can be equipped with washers, bushings, anti-friction bearings, seals, lubrication structures, lubrication devices, preload elements, sensors, balancing components, and other auxiliary components of reducers well known to those skilled in the art.

[0036] In some examples, the undulations within gears or other components (e.g., housings, output shafts, or other features) can be involute, cycloid, elliptical, V-shaped, cardioid, or combinations thereof. The foregoing terms refer to the profile or shape of the teeth or undulations used in the gears of this disclosure. An involute profile can be defined by a curve, where the point of tangency on the curve rolls along the base circle of the gear as it rotates. Involute gears offer the advantage of smooth and constant motion transmission, resulting in efficient operation while reducing wear or noise. Cycloidal profile gears, teeth, or undulations comprise a profile defined by a cycloid. This profile is particularly useful when employing a small number of undulations, as it avoids undercutting teeth within the involute profile. Elliptical gears have elliptical undulations or teeth, also known as elongated ellipses. Such elliptical gears can provide non-uniform motion and are used in situations with non-standard gear interactions. Curved undulation shapes can also employ methods commonly found in cycloidal pumps and similar mechanisms generated by cycloidal curves, including but not limited to cycloids, subcycloids, epicycloids, hypocycloids, and extended cardioid curves.

[0037] In the examples of the instrument tuners provided in this disclosure, the gears may operate at a constant or non-constant speed, referring to the aspect where the output shaft rotates at a uniform speed compared to the input rotational speed. This is achieved by changing the number and type of undulations of one or more gears within the instrument tuner. For example, the number and type of undulations in the fixed housing cause the compound gear or driven gear to rotate, thereby affecting the speed of the output shaft, wherein the speed of rotation of the driven compound gear and the output shaft depends on the shape of the gear and the number of its undulations. Furthermore, the gear ratio between the drive gear and the driven gear determines the transmission ratio, and consequently the speed ratio, as shown in equation (1). In the examples, the number of undulations associated with any one of n1, n2, n3, or n4 or the corresponding surface within the embodiments described herein may be about 1 to about 100, about 2 to 100, about 3 to about 50, or about 5 to about 20.

[0038] Figure 1A-1E This is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 1A The diagram shows a side view of a knob reducer 100. The knob reducer 100 includes a housing 102 at a first end, to which an input knob 104, also referred to as a first driven member, is attached and has an input grip 136. While a specific pattern of the input grip 136 is shown, other patterns or arrangements of the input grip feature may be used based on ergonomic or aesthetic principles, and therefore the patterns and shapes shown herein should not be considered limiting. The knob reducer 100 also includes an output shaft 108 connected to and passing through the housing 102. The output shaft 108 also includes a shaft groove 118 configured to surround the upper portion of the circumference of the output shaft 108, and an output receiving hole 116, or a hole located within the shaft groove 118, configured to receive and anchor a string for the musical instrument. Within the output receiving hole 116 is a locking piston 130 located within the output shaft 108 and configured to translate along the axis of the output shaft 108. At the end of the output shaft 108 opposite to the housing 102 is a locking knob 128 featuring one or more locking grips 138. Although Figure 1A A specific pattern of the locking grip 138 is shown, but other patterns, shapes or arrangements of the locking grip features may be used.

[0039] Figure 1B It shows Figure 1A An end view of the toggle switch reducer 100 is shown. In this view, a retainer 110 is shown, recessed within the input knob retainer cavity 124. The retainer holds the output shaft 108 and the input knob 104 in proper position within the housing 102. Each side of the housing 102 also includes a mounting protrusion 140 having a hole positioned within it for mounting the toggle switch reducer 100 to a flat surface. Although Figure 1BThe image shows a specific pattern and arrangement of the mounting protrusion 140, but other patterns or arrangements may also be used. The designation AA indicates... Figure 1C The cross-sectional view shown. It should be noted that the indicator θ1 represents the input direction provided by the user when actuating the input knob 104 of the knob reducer 100, while θ2 represents the output direction of the output shaft 108. As previously stated, the gear ratio between the driving gear and the driven gear determines the transmission ratio, which in turn determines the speed ratio, and the output direction of θ2 is also determined according to the direction of the input θ1, as shown in equation (1).

[0040] Figure 1CA cross-section of the toggle reducer 100, indicated by the symbol AA, is shown. This view shows the mounting mechanism and position of the locking knob 128 on the end of the output shaft 108; the locking knob 128 is advanced via the locking thread 132, increasing the pressure applied by the locking piston 130 connected to the threaded locking knob 128. A locking stud 134 prevents the locking knob 128 and the locking piston 130 from separating from the output shaft 108. A retainer hole 122 and a retainer pin hole 144 are also shown within the output shaft 108; the retainer 110 is interlocked with the output shaft 108 by a retainer pin 142 passing through the hole, the retainer pin 142 being located within a first axis 112 of the input knob 104, housing 102, output shaft 108, and retainer 110. The input knob 104 can be considered as a first driven member, having a first central axis 112 substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing 102, and a second axis 114 parallel to and eccentrically disposed relative to the first central axis 112, thereby forming an eccentric surface 104a of the input knob. In this example, the input knob 104 is integrally attached to the housing 102 as part of the outer housing. In other examples, the input knob 104 may include a separate component fixedly or releasably attached to the housing 102 and function as an actuator to drive a compound gear 106, which can also be considered as a second driven member. In this and other examples, the actuator may be driven by an external power source, enabling the knob reducer 100 to operate at a constant speed when driven, or a combination thereof. A single compound gear 106 is provided inside the housing, which can be considered as a second driven member, having a central axis substantially coaxial with the eccentric axis 114, and having a first gear undulation 106a (denoted by n4) and a second gear undulation 106b. The first gear undulation 106a is located on the first lower layer of the gear 106 near the housing end, while the second gear undulation 106b (denoted by n2) is located on the second higher layer of the gear 106 near the output shaft 108 end. The output shaft 108 can be considered as a third driven member, with its central axis substantially coaxial with the first axis 112; the outer housing end of the output shaft 108 is provided with multiple output shaft undulations 108a (denoted by n3), and the inner portion of the housing 102, including the first central axis 112, is also provided with multiple housing undulations 102a. These substantially cylindrical undulations (denoted by n1) are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis, and extend inward toward the first central axis 112 of the housing 102. These features will be described in more detail later. In this and other figures, "e" indicates the eccentricity of the second axis 114 relative to the first axis 112. The input knob 104 is located on and rotates about the first axis 112 and has an eccentric surface 104a that defines a parallel second axis 114 and thereby determines the position of the compound gear 106 within the knob reducer 100.

[0041] Figure 1D As shown Figure 1A The indicator BB shows a cross-sectional end view of the toggle reducer 100. Within the shown end of the housing 102, a housing undulation 102a protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 102. The indicator n1 represents the number of undulations associated with the inner surface of the housing undulation 102a. The housing undulation 102a engages and meshes with a first gear undulation 106a, the number of which is indicated by n4. In the background is shown a second gear undulation 106b, which engages with an output shaft undulation 108a, which will... Figure 1E The description is further detailed and includes multiple undulations represented by indicators n2 and n3, respectively.

[0042] Figure 1E As shown Figure 1A The indicator CC shows a cross-sectional end view of the toggle reducer 100. The second upper portion of the gear 106 is highlighted within the end of the housing 102. The output shaft 108 includes a plurality of output shaft undulations 108a, the number of which is indicated by n3. A second gear undulation 106b, the number of which is indicated by n2, is also shown here, engaging with the output shaft undulations 108a on the output shaft 108. By adopting... Figure 1D and 1E The portion of gear 106 shown and described illustrates that when the input knob 104 is rotated in direction θ1, the eccentric knob input surface 104a rotates eccentrically, causing the first gear undulation 106a of gear 106 to continuously engage with the housing undulation 102a. Since gear 106 is a single fixed-connection compound gear 106, each part of gear 106 rotates together as a single unit. When the input knob 104 is rotated in direction θ1, the eccentric knob input surface 104a rotates eccentrically and also causes the second gear undulation 106b of gear 106 to continuously engage with the output shaft undulation 108a, resulting in an input-output ratio according to equation (1). According to equation (1), the resulting output can be in a non-reverse direction from the input rotation direction (CW to CW) or (CCW to CCW), or the resulting output can be in a direction opposite to the input rotation direction (CW to CCW) or (CCW to CW).

[0043] like Figure 1A-1EAs shown, the toggle reducer 100 functions as a non-reverse reducer due to the arrangement of its components and the number of their respective undulations. By changing the arrangement of the components and the number of their respective undulations, embodiments of a reverse reducer can be manufactured, which enclose a casing that is the same as or similar to that of the non-reverse reducer 100 shown. Although various arrangements of the components and various combinations of the corresponding numbers of undulations are possible, the result of Equation 1 can be a positive number (producing a non-reverse reducer), a negative number (producing a reverse reducer), or zero (producing an ineffective reducer).

[0044] Figures 2A-2F This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 2A A knob reducer 200 with features similar to other examples described herein is shown. The knob reducer 200 includes a housing 202 with a plurality of housing undulations 202a within its inner wall, which will be described in more detail herein. The knob reducer 200 includes an input knob 204 with an input grip 236; the input grip 236 improves ergonomics and holding comfort when the user actuates the input knob 204 to tighten or loosen the instrument strings, thereby increasing or decreasing the tension applied to the strings. An output shaft 208 protrudes from the housing 202 and includes a shaft recess 218 having one or more output receiving holes 216 passing through it for receiving and anchoring the instrument strings, a feature well known to those skilled in the art. Although the shaft recess 218 is shown as a single coaxial recess, other configurations are possible, including, but not limited to, multiple recesses, helical recesses, multiple helical recesses, and non-coaxial recesses. In this embodiment or other examples that include helical undulations or grooves, these helical features on the surfaces of one or more gears or surfaces may be parallel to each other, or in some instances, perpendicular. In the plectrum reducer 200 and other examples of this, the length of the output shaft 208 is configured to extend sufficiently through the headstock or other mounting area of ​​a stringed instrument to receive the string at the end of the shaft groove 218 while mounting on the opposite side. It should be noted that other examples of the plectrum reducer 200 may have alternative mounting protrusions or mounting devices known to those skilled in the art. It should also be noted that the output shaft 208 may be supported by bearings or bushings at multiple or alternative locations along the length of the output shaft 108. Figure 2BThis is an end view of the plectrum reducer 200, showing two mounting bosses 240 attachments connected to the housing 202 for flat, flush, or recessed mounting on the instrument surface. In this view, a retainer 210 is shown, including an input knob retainer cavity 224 and a retainer thread 226 for retaining the output shaft 208 and the input knob 204 to the housing 202 of the plectrum reducer 200. Although the retainer 210 is shown as a separate, removable component, it can be incorporated as an extension of the output shaft 208, and alternative methods for retaining the output shaft 208 and the input knob 204 to the housing 202 are provided, including but not limited to deformable posts, spring locks, nuts, pins, or retaining rings.

[0045] Figure 2C As shown Figure 2A The cross-sectional end view of the knob reducer 200 indicated by the indicator DD is shown. Within the shown end of the housing 202, a housing undulation 202a protrudes from the inner surface of the housing 202. In this embodiment, the housing undulation 202a is shown as representing curved gear teeth, such as, but not limited to, cycloid, involute, elliptical, helical, inclined, truncated, or short-toothed. As in the previous example, and as defined by equation (1), the index n1 is the number of undulations associated with the inner surface housing undulation 202a. The housing undulation 202a engages and meshes with a first gear undulation 206a, the number of which is represented by n3. In the background is shown a second gear undulation 206b, which engages with an output shaft undulation 208a, which will... Figure 2D The description is further detailed and includes multiple undulations indicated by indicators n2 and n4, respectively. When the input knob 204 is rotated in direction θ1 or θ2, the eccentric knob input surface 204a rotates eccentrically, causing the first gear undulation 206a of gear 206 to continuously engage with the housing undulation 202a. Since gear 206 is a single fixed-connection compound gear, each part of gear 206 rotates together as a single entity. When the input knob 204 is rotated, the eccentric knob input surface 204a rotates eccentrically, and also causes the first gear undulation 206a and the second gear undulation 206b of gear 206 to engage sequentially with the fixed housing undulation 202a and the output shaft undulation 208a, thereby producing the input-output ratio according to equation (1). According to equation (1), the output can be in a non-reverse direction relative to the input rotation direction (CW to CW) or (CCW to CCW), or the output can be in the opposite direction to the input rotation direction (CW to CCW) or (CCW to CW).

[0046] Figure 2D As shown Figure 2AThe figure shows a cross-sectional end view of the toggle reducer 200, indicated by the mark EE. The second upper portion of the gear 206 is highlighted within the end of the housing 202. The output shaft 208 includes a plurality of output shaft undulations 208a, the number of which is indicated by n3. A second gear undulation 206b, the number of which is indicated by n2, is also shown here, engaging with the output shaft undulations 208a on the output shaft 208. By adopting... Figure 2C and Figure 2D The portion of gear 206 shown and described illustrates that when the input knob 204 is rotated, the housing undulation 202a engages with the lower first gear undulation 206a of gear 206. Since gear 206 is a single, fixedly connected integral gear 206, when the first gear undulation 206a engages and rotates by actuating the input knob 204, the second gear undulation 206b also engages and rotates in the same direction as the first gear undulation 206a. Then, the second gear undulation 206b engages with the output shaft undulation 208a on the output shaft 208, thereby causing the output shaft 208 to rotate relative to the actuation or rotation direction and speed of the input knob 204 in the direction and speed determined by equation (1).

[0047] Figure 2E and 2F yes Figures 2A-2D An exploded view of the knob reducer 200. During assembly, the knob reducer 200 is constructed by first placing an input knob 204, including an eccentric knob input surface 204a and a second axis 214, onto a housing 202 forming the axis 212. Next, a compound gear 206 is placed on the eccentric surface 204a of the input knob, wherein a first gear undulation 206a of the compound gear 206 meshes with a housing undulation 202a. Next, an output shaft 208 is placed into the housing 202, wherein a second gear undulation 206b of the compound gear 206 meshes with an output shaft undulation 208a on the output shaft 208. The output shaft 208 also includes an output receiving hole 216, a shaft groove 218, and a retainer hole 222. Next, a retainer 210 is inserted through the input knob 204 and secured to the output shaft 208 by a retainer thread 220 and a retainer hole 222.

[0048] Figure 3A -3F is a schematic diagram of an exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 3A-3F illustrates a knob reducer 300 with features similar to other examples described herein. The knob reducer 300 includes a housing 302 with a plurality of housing undulations 302a within its inner wall, which will be described in more detail herein. The knob reducer 300 includes an input knob 304 with a plurality of input grips 236 features designed to improve ergonomics and comfortable grip when the user actuates the input knob 304 for the purpose of tightening or loosening the strings of an instrument using the knob reducer 300, and thus increasing or decreasing the tension applied thereto. Figure 3A The illustrated example also includes a locking knob 328 attached to and passing through the knob input end 304 for locking the position of the string inserted into the output receiving hole 316 of the output shaft 308 on the tuner 300 by advancing a locking piston 330 within the output shaft 308, thereby locking and securing the string inserted into the output receiving hole 316. The output shaft 308 protrudes from the housing 302 and also includes a shaft groove 318 having the output receiving hole 316 passing through it for receiving and anchoring the instrument string, a feature well known to those skilled in the art. In this example of the tuner 300 and in other examples shown and described herein, the length of the output shaft 308 is configured to be long enough to traverse the headstock or other mounting area of ​​a stringed instrument to receive the string at the end of the shaft groove 318 while mounting it on the opposite side. It should be noted that other examples of the tuner 300 may have alternative mounting protrusions or mounting devices known to those skilled in the art. To mount the tuner 300 to the instrument and prevent unintended movement, a mounting boss 340 is shown on the housing 302, as well as an adapter nut thread 348 for mounting the washer 350, nut 346, and adapter 342 during installation. Those skilled in the art will be familiar with similar mounting hardware for the tuner 300 or instrument tuners. It should also be noted that... Figure 3A The mounting hardware shown in -3F is interchangeable with alternative examples of the toggle reducer 300 or other examples shown and described herein. Figure 3B This is a bottom view of the knob reducer 300, showing the end view of the locking knob 328 and knob input 304 in this example.

[0049] Figure 3C As shown Figure 3B The image shows a cross-sectional side view of the plectrum reducer 300, indicated by indicator FF. Within the plectrum reducer 300, an output shaft 308 with a shaft groove 318 and an output receiving hole 316 is shown. By rotating the locking knob 328, the locking rod 352 moves along the retaining cavity 324 and advances the locking thread 332, causing the locking piston 330 to move forward inside the output shaft 308 and narrow the opening of the output receiving hole 316, thereby locking or clamping the inserted musical instrument string. Furthermore, as... Figure 3C As shown, the retaining post 320 holds the retainer 310 in the toggle reducer 300. Figure 3C The cross-sectional side view further illustrates the positions of the housing 302, input knob 304, and compound gear 306 within the knob reducer 300, including the relative positions of the housing undulations 302a. According to the foregoing example of this disclosure, when the knob input 304 is rotated, the housing undulations 302a engage with the first gear undulation 306a and drive the compound gear 306, which in turn rotates the second gear undulation 306b, which engages with and drives the output shaft undulation 308a in the output shaft 308. As in the previous example, and as defined by equation (1), the index n1 is the number of undulations associated with the inner surface housing undulations 302a. The housing undulations 302a engage and mesh with the first gear undulations 306a, the number of which is represented by n3. The second gear undulation 306b, which engages with the output shaft undulation 308a, has multiple undulations indicated by indicators n2 and n4, respectively. When the input knob 304 is rotated in direction θ1 or θ2, the eccentric knob input surface 304a rotates eccentrically, causing the first gear undulation 306a of the gear 306 to engage continuously with the housing undulation 302a. Since the gear 306 is a single fixed-connection compound gear, each part of the gear 306 rotates together as a single entity. When the input knob 304 is rotated, the eccentric knob input surface 304a rotates eccentrically, and also causes the first gear undulation 306a and the second gear undulation 306b of the gear 306 to engage sequentially with the fixed housing undulation 302a and the output shaft undulation 308a, thereby producing the input-output ratio according to equation (1). According to equation (1), the output can be in a non-reverse direction relative to the input rotation direction (CW to CW) or (CCW to CCW), or the output can be in the opposite direction to the input rotation direction (CW to CCW) or (CCW to CW). Figure 3C The diagram also shows a nut thread 348, a nut 346, a washer 350, an adapter 342, and a mounting boss 340, which can be used to anchor the tuner reducer 300 to the instrument surface, neck, headstock, or body. In the example, the adapter 342 can be used to provide additional dimensions for the tuner reducer 300 to be mounted in an existing hole or cavity that may be too large relative to the output shaft 308 portion of the tuner reducer 300. One or more adapter posts 344 are present in the housing 302 for receiving and aligning the adapter 342. The indication of "e" indicates the eccentricity of the second axis 314 relative to the first axis 312.

[0050] Figure 3E And 3F is Figures 3A-3CAn exploded view of the knob reducer 300. During assembly, the knob reducer 300 is constructed by first placing an input knob 304, including an eccentric knob input surface 304a and a second axis 314, onto a housing 302 forming axis 212. Next, a compound gear 306 is placed on the eccentric surface 304a of the input knob, wherein a first gear undulation 306a of the compound gear 306 meshes with a housing undulation 302a. Next, an output shaft 308 is placed into the housing 302, wherein a second gear undulation 306b of the compound gear 306 meshes with an output shaft undulation 308a on the output shaft 308. The output shaft 308 also includes a shaft groove 318 and a retaining post 320. Next, a locking piston 330 is inserted into the output shaft 308, and a locking rod 352 is screwed into a retainer 310; the retainer 310 includes a locking thread 332 for translating the position of the locking rod 352. Next, the retainer 310 is inserted through the input knob 304 and secured to the output shaft 308 by the retaining post 320. Next, the locking knob 328 engages with the locking rod 352 and is secured by the locking post 334. Next, the mounting adapter 342 is secured to the housing 302 by a plurality of adapter posts 344, which receive and align the mounting adapter 342. Next, to secure the reducer 300 to the instrument, the mounting nut 346 and mounting washer 350 are secured by screwing the nut thread 348 into the mounting adapter 342. It should be noted that the components and features shown are illustrative in nature and not limiting.

[0051] Figures 4A-4B This is a side view schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 4A and Figure 4BThe button reducer 400 shown is a cross-sectional view illustrating additional features compared to other examples described herein. For clarity, features may exist that are not explicitly indicated or described with reference to this example. The button reducer 400 includes means for disengaging gear teeth or undulations by pulling a retainer against spring resistance to apply direct 1:1 motion to the output shaft to accelerate string changes or complete coarse tuning tasks. The button reducer 400 shows a housing 402 having a housing undulation 402a inside the housing 402. The housing 402 has a surrounding input knob 404 with an input grip surface 436 for actuating the tuning mechanism of the button reducer 400. The button reducer 400 also includes an internal gear 406, an output shaft 408, and a retainer 410 that passes through and interconnects them. The output shaft 408 also includes a retainer hole 422 and a retainer pin hole 444. The retainer 410 is interlocked to the output shaft 408 via the retainer hole 422 and the retainer pin hole 444 through the input knob 404, the housing 402, the output shaft 408, and the retainer pin 442 within the first axis 412 of the retainer 410. The retainer 410 and the output shaft 408 rotate about the first axis 412, while the gear 406 rotates about the second axis 414. As shown in the previous button reducer described herein, the housing 402 includes a housing undulation 402a that meshes and engages with a first gear undulation 406a of the gear 406, while a second gear undulation 406b of the gear 406 meshes with an output shaft undulation 408a of the output shaft 408, thereby rotating the output shaft 408 and operating the button reducer 400. Figure 4A and 4B When the string reducer 400 shown is used to change the instrument strings, the retainer 410 can resist the resistance provided by the internal engagement spring 460 along the string. Figure 4B Pull outwards in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. Washer 462 is located between output shaft 408 and mounting surface. When retainer 410 is pulled in this manner, retainer 410, output shaft 408, and input knob 404 translate together along axis 412, causing output shaft gear undulation 408a to disengage from second gear undulation 406b, thereby allowing output shaft 408 and retainer 410 to rotate freely. Although Figure 4A and Figure 4B The illustrated embodiment shows that by pulling the retainer 410 in the direction of the arrow, the internal engagement spring 460 is compressed, and the output shaft gear undulation 408a is disengaged from the second gear undulation 406b, thereby allowing the output shaft 408 and the connected retainer 410 to rotate freely. Figure 4B The arrow indicates that the output shaft is pushed in the direction of the output shaft, and the output shaft 408 and retainer 410 are rotated when direct 1:1 input rotational motion is allowed, so as to speed up the replacement or installation of instrument strings.

[0052] Figures 5A-5B This is a side view schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 5A and Figure 5B The button reducer 500 shown is a cross-sectional view illustrating additional features of the button reducer 500 compared to other examples described herein. For clarity, features may exist that are not explicitly indicated or described with reference to this example. The button reducer 500 includes features that, when connected along... Figure 5B The arrows shown indicate a mechanism that overcomes spring resistance to push the retainer 510 to apply a direct 1:1 motion to the output shaft to accelerate string changes or complete coarse tuning tasks by disengaging gear teeth or undulations. The plectrum reducer 500 shows a housing 502, within which a housing undulation 502a is present. The housing 502 has a surrounding input knob 504, which includes an input knob eccentric surface 504a and an input grip surface 536 for actuating the tuning mechanism of the plectrum reducer 500. The plectrum reducer 500 also includes an internal gear 506, an output shaft 508, and a retainer 510 interconnected therewith. The output shaft 508 also includes a retainer hole 522 and a retainer pin hole 544. The retainer 510 is interlocked to the output shaft 508 via the retainer hole 522 and the retainer pin hole 544 through the input knob 504, the housing 502, the output shaft 508, and the retainer pin 542 within the first axis 512 of the retainer 510. The retainer 510 and the output shaft 508 rotate about the first axis 512, while the gear 506 rotates about the second axis 514. As shown in the previous example of a toggle reducer, the housing 502 includes a housing undulation 502a that meshes and engages with a first gear undulation 506a of the gear 506, while a second gear undulation 506b of the gear 506 meshes with an output shaft undulation 508a of the output shaft 508, causing the output shaft 508 to rotate and operate the toggle reducer 500. Figure 5A and Figure 5B When the string reducer 500 shown is used to change the instrument strings, the retainer 510 can resist the resistance provided by the internal engagement spring 560 along the string. Figure 5B Push inward in the direction indicated by the middle arrow. Washer 562 is located between output shaft 508 and mounting surface. When retainer 510 is pulled in this manner, retainer 510, output shaft 508 and input knob 504 translate together along axis 512, causing output shaft gear undulation 508a to disengage from second gear undulation 506b, thereby allowing output shaft 508 and connected retainer 510 to rotate freely. Figure 5A and Figure 5BA compression spring 558 acting between the output shaft 508 and the gear 506 is also shown. This compression spring biases the gear 506 toward the housing 502, keeping the output shaft gear undulation 508a disengaged from the second gear undulation 506b, and allowing the output shaft 508 and the connected retainer 510 to rotate freely. Although Figure 5A and Figure 5B The illustrated embodiment shows that pushing the retainer 510 in the direction of the arrow compresses the internal engagement spring 560 and disengages the output shaft gear undulation 508a from the second gear undulation 506b, thereby allowing the output shaft 508 and the connected retainer 510 to rotate freely. However, alternatively, it is also possible to... Figure 5B The output shaft is pulled in the direction of the arrow shown, and the output shaft is rotated when direct 1:1 input rotational motion is allowed to drive the output shaft 508 and the retainer 510, thereby speeding up the replacement or installation of instrument strings.

[0053] Figures 6A-6C These are front, side, and rear views of the upper neck portion of a guitar according to this disclosure, including a set of speed-reducing instrument tuners in a 3+3 configuration. The guitar neck 600 is shown, illustrating the 3+3 arrangement of the speed-reducing instrument tuners 618 on the headstock 602 of the guitar neck 600. The guitar neck 600 also includes a nut 608 with multiple nut slots 610, in this example, six nut slots 610, or one per string. It should be noted that other instruments with any number of strings can utilize a similar arrangement with additional corresponding components to accommodate additional strings. In the guitar neck portion 600, a fingerboard 612, several frets 614, and a neck rear portion 616 are shown. A first set of tuner speed reducers 604 is mounted on one side of the headstock 602, while a second set of tuner speed reducers 606 is mounted on the opposite side of the headstock 602. The first set of tuner speed reducers 604 and the second set of tuner speed reducers 606 each include a separate tuner speed reducer 618. In this example, the first set of knob reducers 604, with each individual knob reducer 618 configured as a reversible type, i.e., CW input, CCW output or CCW input, CW output. The individual knob reducers 618 of the second set of knob reducers 606 are configured as non-reversible type, i.e., CW input, CW output or CCW input, CCW output.

[0054] Figures 7A-7CThese are side, front, and sectional views of the upper neck portion of a classical guitar according to this disclosure, including a 3+3 configuration of a set of speed-reducing instrument tuners. The guitar neck portion 700 is shown, illustrating the arrangement of the 3+3 configuration of the speed-reducing instrument tuners on the headstock 702 of the guitar neck portion 700 of the classical style guitar. The guitar neck portion 700 also includes a nut 712 with multiple nut slots 714, six in this example, or one per string. It should be noted that other instruments with one to approximately 20 or more strings can utilize a similar arrangement with corresponding additional components to accommodate additional strings. In the guitar neck portion 700, a fingerboard 716, several frets 718, and a rear neck portion 720 are shown. A first set of tuner speed reducers 708 is mounted on one side of the headstock 702, while a second set of tuner speed reducers 710 is mounted on the opposite side of the headstock 702. The first set of knob reducers 708 and the second set of knob reducers 710 include individual knob reducers 722 and 724. In this example, the first set of knob reducers 708 and the individual knob reducer 722 are configured as non-reverse, CW input to CW output, or CCW input to CCW output. The individual knob reducers 724 of the second set of knob reducers 710 are configured as reverse, i.e., CW input to CCW output or CCW input to CW output. In the example shown, the first set of knob reducers 708 and the second set of knob reducers 710 are respectively mounted on the first component mounting plate 704 and the second component mounting plate 706, and then secured to the headstock 702 using multiple screws 726. Figure 7C As shown in the sectional view, the output posts of each tuning peg reducer 722 and 724 are positioned through the headstock 702.

[0055] Figures 8A-8C These are front, side, and rear views of the upper neck portion of a stringed instrument according to this disclosure, which includes a configuration of six rows of speed-reducing instrument tuners. A guitar neck 800 is shown, illustrating the arrangement of the six rows of speed-reducing instrument tuners on the headstock 804 of the guitar neck 800 of an electric guitar. The guitar neck portion 800 also includes a nut 806 with multiple nut slots 808, six in this example, or one per string. It should be noted that other instruments with one to approximately 20 or more strings can utilize a similar arrangement with corresponding additional components to accommodate additional strings. In the guitar neck portion 800, a fingerboard 810, several frets 812, and a rear neck portion 814 are shown. On one side of the headstock 804, a set of tuner reducers 802 is mounted flush with the rear of the headstock 804. This set of tuner reducers 802 includes a separate tuner reducer 816. In this example, the set of knob reducers 802, including a separate knob reducer 816, is configured to reverse, i.e., CW input to CCW output or CCW input to CW output.

[0056] Figures 9A-9E This is a schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to this disclosure. Figure 9A The diagram shows a side view of a reversible knob reducer 900. The knob reducer 900 includes a housing 902 at a first end to which an input knob 904 is attached, having an input grip 936. While a specific pattern of the input grip 936 is shown, other patterns or arrangements of the input grip feature may be used based on ergonomic or aesthetic principles, and therefore the patterns and shapes shown herein should not be considered limiting. The knob reducer 900 also includes an output shaft 908 connected to and passing through the housing 902. The output shaft 908 also includes a shaft groove 918 circumferentially arranged around the upper portion of the output shaft 908, and an output receiving hole 916, or a hole located within the shaft groove 918, is configured to receive and anchor musical instrument strings.

[0057] Figure 9B It shows Figure 9A An end view of the toggle switch reducer 900 is shown. From this view, a retainer 910 is shown, recessed within the input knob retainer cavity 924. The retainer holds the output shaft 908 and the input knob 904 in proper position within the housing 902. Each side of the housing 902 also includes a mounting protrusion 940 having a hole positioned within it for mounting the toggle switch reducer 900 to a flat surface. Although Figure 9B The image shows a specific style and arrangement of the mounting protrusion 940, but other styles of patterns or arrangements may also be used. The designation EE indicates... Figure 9C The cross-sectional view shown. It should be noted that the indicator θ1 represents the input direction provided by the user when actuating the input knob 904 of the knob reducer 900, while θ2 represents the output direction of the output shaft 908. As previously stated, the gear ratio between the driving gear and the driven gear determines the transmission ratio, which in turn determines the speed ratio, and the output direction of θ2 is also determined according to the direction of the input θ1, as shown in Equation (1).

[0058] Figure 9CA cross-section of the knob reducer 900, indicated by the symbol EE, is shown. This view shows an alternative arrangement of components, where the previously described inward-facing undulations or teeth are changed to outward-facing (n1 and n3), and the previously described outward-facing undulations or teeth are changed to inward-facing (n2 and n4). An eccentric surface 904a of the input knob, forming an eccentric axis 914, surrounds the outer surface of the compound gear 906. A retainer hole 922 and a retainer pin hole 944 are also shown within the output shaft 908; the retainer 910 is interlocked with the output shaft 908 by a retainer pin 942 passing through the hole, the retainer pin 942 being located within a first axis 912 of the input knob 904, housing 902, output shaft 908, and retainer 910. The input knob 904 can be considered as a first driven member; in this example, the input knob 904 is integrally connected to the housing 902 as part of the outer housing; in other examples, the input knob 904 may include a separate component fixedly or releasably attached to the housing 902 and function as an actuator to drive the compound gear 906. In this and other examples, the actuator may be driven by an external power source, enabling the knob reducer 900 to operate at a constant or non-constant speed when driven, or a combination thereof. A single compound gear 906 is provided inside the housing, which can be considered as a second driven member. Its central axis is substantially coaxial with the eccentric axis 914, and it has a first gear undulation 906a (n4) and a second gear undulation 906b (n2). The second gear undulation 906b (n2) is located in a first lower layer of the gear 906 near the housing end, while the first gear undulation 906a (n4) is located in a second higher layer of the gear 906 near the output shaft 908 end. The output shaft 908 can be considered as a third driven member, with its central axis substantially coaxial with the first axis 912. The outer housing end of the output shaft 908 has multiple output shaft undulations 908a (n3), while the outer portion of the housing 902, including the central axis 912, has multiple housing undulations 902a (n1). These substantially cylindrical undulations (represented by n1) are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis, and extend outwards from the central axis of the housing 902. "e" indicates the eccentricity of the second axis 914 relative to the first axis 912. The input knob 904 is located on and rotates about the first axis 912, and has an eccentric surface 904a that defines the parallel second axis 914, thereby determining the position of the compound gear 906 within the knob reducer 900.

[0059] Figure 9D As shown Figure 9AThe image shows a cross-sectional end view of the toggle reducer 900, indicated by indicator FF. Within the shown end of housing 902, an output shaft undulation 908a (n3) protrudes from the outer surface of the output shaft 908. Indicator n3 indicates the number of undulations associated with the outer surface output shaft undulation 908a. The output shaft undulation 908a engages and meshes with a second gear undulation 906b, the number of which is indicated by n2. In the background is shown the first gear undulation 906a, which engages with housing undulation 902a, which will... Figure 9E It is further described in detail and has multiple undulations represented by indicators n2 and n3 respectively.

[0060] Figure 9E As shown Figure 9A The figure shows a cross-sectional end view of the toggle reducer 100, indicated by the mark GG. The first lower portion of the gear 906 is highlighted within the end of the output shaft 908. The housing 902 includes a plurality of outwardly facing housing undulations 902a, the number of which is indicated by n1. A first gear undulation 906a, indicated by n4, is also shown in the figure, meshing with the housing undulations 902a on the housing 902. Figure 9D and Figure 9E As shown and described, when the input knob 904 rotates in the direction θ1, the eccentric knob input surface 904a rotates eccentrically, causing the first gear undulation 906a of the gear 906 to mesh sequentially with the housing undulation 902a. Since the gear 906 is a single fixed-connection compound gear, its various parts rotate together as a whole. When the input knob 904 rotates in the direction θ1, the eccentric knob input surface 904a also causes the second gear undulation 906b of the gear 906 to mesh sequentially with the output shaft undulation 908a, thereby obtaining the input-output ratio determined by equation (1). In this reverse arrangement example, the fixed outer housing surface 902a has 4 teeth or undulations (n1), the rotating outer output shaft surface 908a has 3 teeth or undulations (n3), the first inner surface 906a of the compound gear has 5 teeth or undulations (n4) and meshes with the 4 teeth or undulations of the fixed housing, and the second inner surface 906b of the compound gear has 4 teeth or undulations (n2) and meshes with the 3 teeth or undulations of the output shaft, according to equation (1). θ 2 = 1 - [(n1 · n2) / (n3 · n4)], therefore θ2 = 1 - [(4×4) / (3×5)] = 1 - [16 / 15] ≈ 1 - 1.06667 ≈ -0.06667; its reciprocal is approximately 1 / -0.06667, or -15, corresponding to the commonly understood -15:1 gear ratio. While this equation can be used to determine the number of undulations, in the examples or embodiments described herein, the number of undulations on one or more pairs of surfaces may not be equal to or may not be equal to the number of undulations on another pair of surfaces. In other examples, the gear mechanism or driven member in the embodiments may include multiple gear ratios. Furthermore, the individual knob reducers in a component may have different gear ratios; for example, one musical instrument string may correspond to a first internal gear ratio, and another musical instrument string may correspond to a second internal gear ratio. In the examples, each musical instrument string may have a different gear ratio, and the number of gear ratios may be at most equal to the number of strings included in the musical instrument.

[0061] Figures 10A-10B This is a side view schematic diagram of another exemplary deceleration instrument tuner according to the present disclosure. Figure 10A and Figure 10B The illustrated knob reducer 1000 is a cross-sectional view showing a knob reducer 1000 with additional features compared to other examples described herein. For clarity, features may exist that are not explicitly indicated or described with reference to this example. The knob reducer 1000 shows a housing 1002 having a housing undulation 1002a inside the housing 1002. The housing 1002 has a surrounding input knob 1004, which includes an input knob eccentric surface 1004a for actuating the tuning mechanism of the knob reducer 1000. A clutch 1070 having at least one clutch tooth or undulation 1070a is secured to the input knob 1004 by an input knob clutch key 1004b and a clutch retainer 1072. In other examples, the clutch and associated components may be included in a single piece. The knob reducer 1000 also includes an internal gear 1006, an output shaft 1008, and a retainer 1010 interconnected therewith. The output shaft 1008 also includes a retainer pin hole 1044. The retainer 1010 is interlocked with the output shaft 1008 by a retainer pin 1042 located within a first axis 1012, which is defined by the input knob 1004, the housing 1002, the output shaft 1008, and the retainer 1010. The retainer 1010 and the output shaft 1008 rotate about the first axis 1012, while the gear 1006 rotates about a second axis 1014. The knob reducer 1000 also includes a mechanism that overcomes the resistance provided by the engagement spring 1060 along... Figure 10B Pull the input knob 1004 in the direction of the arrow shown, so that the input knob 1004 is from Figure 10A The first position shown is moved along the central axis of the shell to Figure 10BThe second position shown along the central axis of the housing disengages the first gear tooth or undulation 1006a from the housing gear tooth or undulation 1002a and engages at least one clutch tooth or undulation 1070a with the output shaft gear tooth or undulation 1008a. The engagement spring, also known as a spring element, may include conventional springs or elastic elements, or may include rubber, soft rubber, such as silicone or polyurethane materials. When the input knob 1004 is pulled in this manner, the input knob 1004, gear 1006, clutch 1070, and clutch retainer 1074 translate together along axis 1012 to achieve a direct 1:1 rotational movement from the input knob 1004 to the output shaft 1008, thereby accelerating string changes or completing coarse tuning tasks. When the input knob 1004 is released, the engagement spring 1060 causes the input knob 1004 to move along... Figure 10A The arrow shown is oriented from along Figure 10B The second position of the housing center axis shown returns to along the Figure 10A The first position of the housing center axis shown simultaneously re-engages the first gear tooth or undulation 1006a with the housing gear tooth or undulation 1002a and disengages at least one input knob clutch tooth or undulation 1070a with the output shaft gear tooth or undulation 1008a, thereby reactivating the fine-tuning reduction ratio according to equation (1). As shown in the previous button reducer, the housing 1002 includes a housing undulation 1002a that meshes and engages with the first gear undulation 1006a of the gear 1006, while the second gear undulation 1006b of the gear 1006 meshes with the output shaft undulation 1008a of the output shaft 1008 to rotate and operate the button reducer 1000.

[0062] It should be noted that, in alternative embodiments, variations in the number, arrangement, or shape of the undulations may exist in the configuration described herein. It should also be noted that, in various aspects of this disclosure, the toggle reducer may include a second driven member configured such that clockwise rotation of the first driven member results in clockwise rotation of the third driven member, or optionally, a second driven member configured such that clockwise rotation of the first driven member results in counterclockwise rotation of the third driven member. In still some embodiments of this disclosure, the toggle reducer may include a second driven member configured such that counterclockwise rotation of the first driven member results in clockwise rotation of the third driven member, or optionally, a second driven member configured such that counterclockwise rotation of the first driven member results in counterclockwise rotation of the third driven member. In an example, the toggle reducer as described herein may include a driven member configured such that rotation of the driven member in a first direction results in rotation of a corresponding member driven in the same direction, or optionally, a driven member configured such that rotation of the corresponding member is driven in the opposite direction. The combinations described in this article can also be considered.

[0063] It should be noted that in any exemplary embodiment described herein, the first driven member may be coupled to one or more external motors or electronic devices that can actuate the first driven member and thereby operate the toggle reducer. These external motors or electronic devices may be operated or started using computer-controlled, application-controlled, or other control systems. The external control system or component may also include frequency detection instructions or operational functions stored within a hardware configuration, which may include a computer-readable medium that can be used to perform one or more of the processes described above. The hardware configuration may include any type of mobile device, such as a smartphone, laptop computer, tablet computer, cellular phone, personal digital assistant, etc. Furthermore, the hardware configuration may include one or more processors with different core configurations and clock frequencies. The hardware configuration may also include one or more memory devices that act as main memory during operation, computation, or simulation as described herein. For example, during operation, a copy of the software supporting the above operations may be stored in one or more memory devices. One or more peripheral interfaces, such as a keyboard, mouse, touchpad, computer screen, touchscreen, etc., may also be included to enable human interaction with and manipulation of the hardware configuration. The exemplary hardware configuration may also include a data bus, one or more storage devices with different physical sizes and storage capacities, such as flash drives, hard disk drives, random access memory, etc., for storing data, such as images, files, and program instructions executed by one or more processors. It may also include one or more network interfaces, such as Ethernet adapters, wireless transceivers, or serial network components, for communicating via one or more networks using protocols over wired or wireless media.

[0064] Additionally, the hardware configuration in some embodiments may include one or more software programs that implement the functions described herein. These one or more software programs may include instructions that cause one or more processors to perform the processes, functions, and operations described herein related to calculation, input, tuner or knob operation, and combinations thereof. Copies of the one or more software programs may be stored in one or more memory devices and / or stored on one or more storage devices. Similarly, data used by the one or more software programs may be stored in one or more memory devices and / or stored on one or more storage devices.

[0065] If implemented in software, functionality can be stored as one or more instructions or code on or transmitted through a computer-readable medium. Computer-readable media includes tangible, non-transitory computer storage media and communication media, including any medium that facilitates the transfer of a computer program from one place to another. Storage media can be any available tangible, non-transitory medium accessible by a computer. By way of example and not limitation, such tangible, non-transitory computer-readable media can include RAM, ROM, flash memory, or EEPROM. Furthermore, any connection can be properly referred to as computer-readable media. For example, if software is transmitted from a website, server, or other remote source using coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), or wireless technology (e.g., infrared, radio, and microwave), then coaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wireless technology (e.g., infrared, radio, and microwave) is included in the definition of media. Combinations of the above should also be included within the scope of computer-readable media.

[0066] Although this disclosure has been described with respect to one or more embodiments, changes and / or modifications may be made to the illustrated examples without departing from the spirit and scope of the appended claims. For example, although a process is described as a series of actions or events, this disclosure is not limited to the order of these actions or events. Certain actions may occur in a different order and / or simultaneously with other actions or events other than those described herein. Furthermore, it is not necessary to perform all process phases to implement a method conforming to one or more aspects or embodiments of this disclosure. Structural objects and / or processing phases may be added, or existing structural objects and / or processing phases may be deleted or modified. In addition, one or more actions described herein may be performed in one or more individual actions and / or phases. As the terms “comprising,” “including,” “having,” “having,” “with,” or variations thereof are used in the Detailed Description or the Claims, these terms are intended to have an open meaning similar to the term “comprising.” The term “at least one” indicates that one or more of the listed items may be selected. Furthermore, in the description and claims herein, with respect to two materials, "on" means that there is at least some contact between the two materials, while "over" means that the two materials are adjacent to each other and there may be one or more additional intermediate materials, thus contact may occur but is not required. Neither "on" nor "over" as used herein indicates any directionality. The term "conformal" describes a coating material that maintains the corner shape of the underlying material by conformal material. The term "about" indicates that the listed values ​​may vary, as long as such variation does not cause the process or structure to no longer conform to the illustrated embodiment. The terms "connected," "linked," "connected," "connected relationship," "connected," "connected with," and "connected" mean "directly connected" or "connected via one or more intermediate elements or components." Finally, the terms "exemplary" or "illustrative" indicate that the related descriptions are merely examples and not representations of ideal solutions. Other embodiments of this disclosure will be conceived by those skilled in the art through studying this specification and practicing the disclosure herein. This specification and examples should be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of this disclosure are defined by the appended claims.

Claims

1. A toggle reducer, comprising: A housing, the housing including a central axis and a surface, the surface including a plurality of undulations (n1) that are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis. The first driven member includes a central axis that is substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a second axis that is substantially parallel to and eccentric to the central axis of the housing; The second driven member includes a central axis substantially coaxial with the second axis of the first driven member, and comprises: A first surface, comprising a plurality of undulations (n4), the plurality of undulations being substantially parallel and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member, and engaging with the undulations (n1) on the surface of the housing; and A second surface, comprising a plurality of undulations (n2), the plurality of undulations being substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member; and The third driven member includes a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a surface having a plurality of undulations (n3), wherein the undulations of the surface of the third driven member are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the third driven member, and engage with the plurality of undulations (n2) of the second surface of the second driven member.

2. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The number of undulations (n1) on the surface of the housing, the number of undulations (n2) on the second surface of the second driven member, the number of undulations (n3) on the first surface of the second driven member, and the number of undulations (n4) on the surface of the third driven member are determined using the following formula: θ 2 = 1 - [(n1 · n2) / (n3 · n4)]; and Wherein, θ2 is the rotation direction of the third driven component.

3. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, At least one of the surfaces comprising multiple undulations is involute, cylindrical, curved, spiral, or a combination thereof.

4. The knob reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The number of undulations on the first surface of the second driven member is not equal to the number of undulations on the second surface of the second driven member.

5. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, further comprising an actuator connected to the housing.

6. The toggle reducer according to claim 5, wherein, The first driven member is driven by the actuator.

7. The toggle reducer according to claim 5, wherein, The actuator is driven by an external power source.

8. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The knob reducer operates at a constant speed.

9. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The knob reducer operates at a non-constant speed.

10. The knob reducer according to claim 1, further comprising a musical instrument string locking mechanism located within the third driven member.

11. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The second driven member is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member causes the same rotational direction of the third driven member.

12. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein, The second driven member is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member causes the opposite rotational direction of the third driven member.

13. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of undulations (n1) on the surface of the housing are directed inward toward the central axis; The undulations (n4) on the first surface of the second driven member and the undulations (n2) on the second surface of the second driven member extend outward from the central axis of the second driven member; and The undulation (n3) of the surface of the third driven member is directed inward toward the central axis.

14. The toggle reducer according to claim 1, wherein: The plurality of undulations (n1) on the surface of the housing are outward away from the central axis; The undulations (n4) on the first surface of the second driven member and the undulations (n2) on the second surface of the second driven member are directed inward toward the central axis of the second driven member; and The undulation (n3) on the surface of the third driven member is outward away from the central axis.

15. A knob assembly, comprising: Multiple knob reducers, each of the knob reducers comprising: A housing, the housing including a central axis and a surface, the surface including a plurality of undulations (n1) that are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis. The first driven member includes a central axis that is substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a second axis that is substantially parallel to and eccentric to the central axis of the housing; The second driven member includes a central axis substantially coaxial with the second axis of the first driven member, and comprises: A first surface, comprising a plurality of undulations (n4), the plurality of undulations being substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member, and the plurality of undulations (n4) engaging with the undulations (n1) of the surface of the housing; and A second surface, comprising a plurality of undulations (n2), the plurality of undulations being substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the second driven member; and The third driven member includes a central axis substantially coaxial with the central axis of the housing, and a surface having a plurality of undulations (n3), wherein the undulations of the surface of the third driven member are substantially parallel to and equidistant from the central axis of the third driven member, and engage with the undulations (n2) of the second surface of the second driven member.

16. The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein, The gear ratio of at least one of the said knob reducers is not equal to the gear ratio of at least one other said knob reducer.

17. The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of the second driven members of the said toggle reducer is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member results in the same rotational direction of the third driven member.

18. The knob assembly according to claim 15, wherein, At least one of the second driven members of the toggle reducer is configured such that the rotational direction of the first driven member causes the opposite rotational direction of the third driven member.

19. The toggle reducer according to claim 15, wherein, The third driven member has a first position along the central axis of the first housing, in which the undulation of the surface of the third driven member engages with the undulation of the second surface of the second driven member; the third driven member has a second position along the central axis of the first housing, in which the undulation of the surface of the third driven member disengages from the undulation of the second surface of the second driven member.

20. The push-button reducer according to claim 1, further comprising at least one first driven member clutch tooth or undulating portion, wherein, The first driven member has a first position along the central axis of the housing, in which the undulation of the first surface of the second driven member engages with the undulation of the surface of the housing, and at least one clutch tooth or undulation of the first driven member disengages from the undulation of the surface of the third driven member. The first driven member has a second position along the central axis of the housing, in which the undulation of the first surface of the second driven member disengages from the undulation of the surface of the housing, and at least one clutch tooth or undulation of the first driven member engages with the undulation of the surface of the third driven member.

Images