Angle Adjustor Friction Plate Backlash Elimination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing angle adjustors for musical instruments face issues with stability due to backlash and loosening of friction plates, leading to instability in adjusted positions, and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
An angle adjustor with a rotation shaft and friction plates between a fixed and movable member, where pressing members restrict rotation and a fastening mechanism ensures secure attachment, preventing movement and maintaining stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If friction plates are engaged with teeth for positioning, then angle adjustment is enabled, but backlash occurs at engagement positions causing instability
Solution Approach 1:
A wedge-shaped locking piece is introduced as an intermediary component between the friction plates and the adjustment mechanism. This locking piece fills the backlash gap and prevents relative movement between friction plates, thereby eliminating the instability caused by tooth engagement backlash while preserving the angle adjustment capability
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge-shaped locking piece is designed to preemptively counteract the backlash problem by occupying the gap space before any unwanted movement can occur. By pre-positioning this element in the backlash region, the system prevents the friction plates from shifting relative to each other during operation
2Reliability
If screws are used to fix friction plates in slots, then positioning is improved, but screws may loosen under rotational force
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using screws that are subjected to loosening forces from rotation, the invention inverts the approach by using a wedge-shaped locking piece that is driven into place by a single insertion motion. This locking piece then maintains fixation through its wedge geometry rather than relying on threaded engagement that can loosen under cyclic loading
Solution Approach 2:
The problematic screws that are prone to loosening are completely removed from the friction plate fixation system. The invention extracts the screw mechanism and replaces it with a wedge-shaped locking piece that achieves the same fixation function without the loosening issue, thereby eliminating the weak link in the system
3Reliability
If fixed member and movable member have different shapes for sandwiching, then friction plates are secured, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixed member and movable member are designed with identical shapes that both feature notches for receiving friction plates. This universal design allows both members to perform the same function of securing friction plates, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining the reliability of friction plate fixation through the consistent notch geometry
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 solution provides stable angle adjustment and easy manufacturing, preventing backlash and loosening, ensuring the musical instrument remains securely positioned.
Implementation Method 1
friction force produced by the friction plates 64a and 64b is not applied to the movable member 63 and the fixed member 62
Data Source
AI summary
An angle adjustor includes a fixed member, a movable member, a plurality of friction plates arranged between the fixed and movable members, and a bolt connecting the fixed and movable members. The fixed member and the movable member each have a notch for receiving a pressing member that presses the friction plates against the surface of the notch. Each pressing member is fixed to the fixed member or movable member in a direction substantially parallel to the axis of the bolt. The friction plates are fixed between the notch and the pressing member.