Brass Instrument Weight Assembly for Sympathetic Vibration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing accessories for brass instruments do not adequately address the need for additional tonal variation and sound improvement, particularly in reducing sympathetic vibration and enhancing low register response.
Innovation Solution
A weight assembly for brass instruments, comprising weights attached to the center brace between the bell and body of the instrument using connectors such as screws, magnetic forces, or adhesives, which adds mass to reduce sympathetic vibration and adjust the sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If accessory weights are added to the brass instrument brace, then tonal variation and low register response are improved, but the instrument structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The weight assembly is divided into separate components (weights, connector, cover layer) that can be independently manufactured and assembled. The connector attaches to the brace, and weights are attached to the connector, creating a modular system that improves sound quality without permanently complicating the instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight assembly is designed to be removable and adjustable. The connector allows the weights to be attached or detached from the brace, and the cover layer can be removed to access or change the weights. This dynamic design enables tonal variation while maintaining structural simplicity when weights are not installed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If weights are attached to the center brace, then sympathetic vibration is reduced, but the attachment method increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent describes multiple attachment methods including magnetic forces that replace traditional mechanical fastening systems. A permanent magnet in the connector can attract ferromagnetic materials in the weights or brace, eliminating the need for screws or adhesives and simplifying the attachment mechanism while effectively reducing sympathetic vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector design allows for different attachment parameters to be selected based on the specific application. The connector can be configured with threaded bores for screw attachment, magnetic properties for magnetic attachment, or adhesive surfaces for chemical bonding. This parameter flexibility enables the same basic structure to address vibration reduction without committing to a single complex attachment method.
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 weight assembly enhances tonal variation, improves low register response, and provides a darker timbre, making articulation easier and allowing smoother slurring of notes, similar to the effect of heavy mass neck screws.
Implementation Method 1
the connector can be a magnetic force from the first weight and second weight being made from a ferromagnetic material and at least one of the first weight and second weight are a permanent magnet
Data Source
AI summary
Accessory weights and kits for brass instruments to reduce sympathetic vibration of a brass instrument. In one embodiment a first weight disposed on a first side of a center brace for a saxophone between the bell and the body; a second weight disposed on a second side of a center brace for a saxophone between the bell and the body; and a connector to attach the first weight to the second weight configured to extend through a bore of the center brace forming an opening. The connector can be a screw that extends through a bore defining an opening in the first weight, through the bore of the center brace, and attached to the second weight by attachment through a threaded bore of the second weight.