Aliquot Tone Damping Device for Piano String Timbre Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current pianos and upright pianos lack a device to dampen aliquot tones, which affects the timbre and sound register, as existing technologies do not provide a means to selectively dampen these faintly heard consonant tones without completely silencing the strings.
Innovation Solution
A device using an elastic pressing material, actuated by a movable element and return mechanism, applies pressure to the strings to dampen aliquot tones without touching them, utilizing a linkage system that can be actuated mechanically, hydraulically, or pneumatically, allowing for selective dampening of specific string groups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If complete dampening means (damper) is used to silence strings, then the string tone can no longer be heard, but the aliquot tones cannot be selectively dampened to change timbre
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the dampening function by applying pressure selectively to specific portions of the string (initial part or final part of active part) rather than completely dampening the entire string. This allows selective dampening of aliquot tones while preserving the fundamental tone, enabling timbre variation without complete silencing.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressing material is applied locally at specific positions on the string (initial or final part of active part) rather than uniformly across the entire string. This local application creates different damping effects at different locations, allowing selective dampening of aliquot tones while maintaining fundamental tone quality.
2Adaptability or versatility
If finger or hand-held accessory is used to dampen aliquot tones, then timbre change is achieved, but the device complexity increases and operation becomes less precise
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses the piano's own key mechanism to actuate the dampening function. When a key is pressed, the corresponding damper is automatically activated through the key's movement, eliminating the need for separate finger operations or hand-held accessories. This integrates the dampening function into the existing piano mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The key mechanism serves dual functions: producing the note through hammer strike and controlling the dampening function through key movement. This multi-functionality reduces device complexity by utilizing the existing key infrastructure for both note production and timbre modification.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pressing material is made from rigid material, then structural stability is improved, but the contact surface with string is reduced and damping effectiveness decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The pressing material is made from elastic material (silicone rubber) that can deform under pressure. This flexibility allows the material to conform to the string's shape and maintain consistent contact surface area during the dampening process, improving damping effectiveness while remaining structurally stable when not in use.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic material's physical parameters (shape, volume) change dynamically based on the applied pressure. When pressed against the string, the material deforms to increase contact surface; when released, it returns to its initial shape. This parameter change enables effective damping while maintaining structural integrity.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device effectively changes the timbre of the fundamental tone by dampening aliquot tones, providing a new sound register without completely silencing the strings, enhancing the musical expression of pianos and upright pianos.
Implementation Method 1
the pressing material is made from silicone rubber... the elastic material which is in contact with the string gets adapted in its shape to the shape of the string
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The object of the invention is a device and a method for damping of aliquot tones, which solve the technical problem of the damping of aliquot tones in instruments that have a large number of strings (6) mounted between two fastening points (7) of the string, wherein a musician does not touch the strings (6) with his fingers or with a hand-held accessory. Such instruments are for instance the piano and the upright piano. The invention is technically configured in a way that the string (6) proximal to one of both fastening points (7) of the string, via the actuator (4), is pressed with the pressing material (2) which is preferably an elastic material, wherein the pressing of the pressing material (2) causes the damping of aliquot tones. The device (1) for damping of aliquot tones comprises at least the pressing material (2), with which the pressure against the strings (6) is carried out by way of the pressing element (8), the movable element (3) which causes a pressing force, and the actuator (4) linked to the linkage (5), with which the pressure against the strings (6) is actuated, thus dampening the aliquot tones.