Brass Instrument Cross-Brace for Sound Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brass instruments lack the ability to easily and cost-effectively modify sound and feel without extensive changes in material, shape, or bracing, which limits their versatility in producing different types of sound for various musical periods.
Innovation Solution
A brass musical instrument design featuring a cross-brace with parallel edges and recessed regions for securement of sound-modifying components, allowing for adjustable pillars within through-holes to modify the instrument's resonances and sound characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If multiple braces are used in the windpath tubing, then structural integrity is improved, but the number of components and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single cross-brace component. The cross-brace simultaneously provides structural support (replacing multiple parallel braces) and serves as a mounting platform for sound-modifying components, thereby reducing the total number of braces while maintaining or enhancing structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The cross-brace is designed with dual functionality: it acts as a structural support element and as a securement mechanism for sound-modifying components. This multi-functionality allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate elements, reducing complexity while maintaining strength.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the instrument design is fixed, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but the ability to modify sound and feel is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates the sound-modifying function from the main instrument body by using detachable sound-modifying components that can be attached to or removed from the cross-brace. This segmentation allows the basic instrument to remain simple and cost-effective to manufacture, while offering adaptability through optional add-on components.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument design transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, adjustable system. The cross-brace with its integrated securement features enables musicians to adjust and modify the instrument's sound characteristics, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different instrument design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If sound-modifying components are integrated into the brace structure, then versatility is improved, but brace complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cross-brace is designed as a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various sound-modifying components through standardized securement features (such as through-holes, recessed regions, or contact regions). This universal design allows multiple different components to be attached to the same brace structure without increasing its fundamental complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
In a brass musical instrument having two substantially parallel adjacent braces between portions of the instrument windpath tubing, the improvement comprising a cross-brace extending in planes substantially parallel to a plane of the parallel braces and having two opposed edges each with two spaced contact regions secured to a respective one of the parallel braces and a recessed region between the contact regions, thereby allowing elimination of other windpath bracing and providing a beneficial site for sound-modifying components.