Adjustable Sound Post with Fine Thread and Pivotable Ends
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of sound posts in stringed instruments is cumbersome due to the need for precise length determination and curvature adaptation, which can be affected by weather conditions, impacting the instrument's sound quality and stability.
Innovation Solution
A sound post system comprising two or more components with pivotable end pieces and a fine threaded section, along with a scale for precise height adjustment, and a tool set with fork sections and insertion tools for easy installation and adjustment, allowing for precise vibration coupling between the instrument's top and back.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sound post is made as a single fixed-length stick, then the structure is simple, but the installation precision and adaptability to curvature are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post is divided into multiple segments that can be adjusted relative to each other. The main body is divided into first, second, and third portions that can be positioned independently, allowing precise length adjustment and curvature adaptation while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sound post transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The movable connection between the first and second portions allows the sound post to adapt its length and curvature based on installation requirements, improving precision without excessive complexity.
2Reliability
If the sound post length is precisely adjusted to fit the curvature, then the sound quality and stability improve, but the installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post components are designed with predetermined connection mechanisms and curvature adaptations already integrated into the structure. The first and second portions are pre-configured with movable connections that facilitate quick assembly, reducing installation time while maintaining the precision needed for stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design allows components to be nested or assembled in a hierarchical manner, where the first, second, and third portions can be sequentially connected. This nested assembly approach streamlines the installation process, reducing time complexity while achieving the required precision for instrument stability.
3Measurement precision
If the sound post uses a fine threaded section for height adjustment, then the adjustment precision improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fine threaded section modifies the pitch parameter of the thread to achieve higher resolution height adjustment. By changing the thread pitch to a finer value, the mechanism provides more precise control over the sound post height while maintaining a relatively simple threaded connection structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The height adjustment function is merged into the existing modular structure of the sound post. The fine threaded section is integrated between the first and second portions, combining the adjustment mechanism with the structural components rather than adding a separate complex adjustment system.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the end pieces are made pivotable to adapt to curvature, then the adaptability improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The end pieces are designed with spherical or curved surfaces that naturally adapt to the curvature of the instrument's sound board. This spherical design allows the end pieces to pivot and conform to varying curvatures while maintaining simple manufacturing processes, as spherical geometry is easier to produce than complex asymmetric shapes.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sound post (1), in particular for stringed instruments, and to a sound post assembly set. The invention further relates to a use of the sound post assembly set. The sound post (1) is composed of at least two sound post components (2, 3) and has end pieces (5) which can be pivoted at the end faces (4) of the sound post. The second sound post component (3) has a threaded portion (7), and the first sound post component (2) has an inner thread (8) which corresponds to the threaded portion (7) such that the sound post components (2, 3) can be screwed together and thus adjusted vertically or longitudinally relative to each other. According to the invention, the threaded portion (7) has a fine thread. Furthermore, a scale (10) with an equidistant graduation is arranged on one of the at least two sound post components (2, 3), the graduation of the scale (10) corresponding to the pitch of the fine thread.