Cam Tremolo Locking Mechanism for Fixed Position Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cam-type tremolo devices for stringed musical instruments are not capable of operating in a fixed condition, as they tend to move during normal play, altering the sound produced, and prior locking mechanisms are not suitable for cam-type tremolos.
Innovation Solution
A combined cam tremolo and bridge assembly with a locking device that allows the rotatable cam-type tailpiece to be locked in a non-rotatable condition, featuring a screw that passes through a threaded opening in the frame to engage or retract from the string attachment device, enabling manual switching between fixed and movable states.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a cam-type tremolo device is used to produce vibrato effects, then the ability to vary string tension is improved, but the device cannot operate in a fixed condition and tends to move during normal play
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device allows the tremolo system to dynamically switch between two states: locked (fixed) and unlocked (movable). The screw can be rotated to engage with the slot in the string attachment device, preventing rotation, or retracted to allow rotation for vibrato effects. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between fixed stability and vibrato adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the rotational parameter of the tailpiece from free rotation (vibrato mode) to constrained rotation (locked mode) through the locking mechanism. By adjusting the engagement state of the screw with the slot, the rotational freedom parameter is modified to achieve either fixed stability or vibrato capability as needed.
2Stability of the object's composition
If prior locking mechanisms are applied to prevent pivotal movement, then fixed stability is improved, but the locking devices are not suitable for cam-type tremolos
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed with universal compatibility for cam-type tremolos through the slot-screw mechanism. The slot can be positioned at different locations on the string attachment device, and the screw engages with this slot to provide locking functionality. This design makes the locking mechanism adaptable to various cam-type tremolo configurations while maintaining fixed stability when engaged.
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
Enables the cam tremolo device to be securely locked in a fixed position, preventing unwanted movement during play, thus maintaining consistent sound production while allowing for vibrato effects when desired, with adjustable saddles and tension levers for precise string tension control.
Implementation Method 1
a locking device is connected between the frame and string attachment device and is operable between a locked position which prevents the tailpiece from rotating relative to the frame
Implementation Method 2
Cam type tremolos rotate to vary the tension on the strings to produce a similar effect
Implementation Method 3
the string attachment device is independently adjustable for each string to selectively vary the tension of each string
Data Source
AI summary
A cam tremolo device for a stringed musical instrument includes a frame secured to the instrument and a tailpiece rotatably connected with the frame and is characterized by a locking mechanism which is manually operable to prevent the tailpiece from rotating. The locking device is preferably a screw which is manually displaced by the operator relative to a threaded opening in the frame and a slot in the string attachment device connected with the tailpiece. When the screw is rotated to a locking position, the screw advances through the frame opening into the slot in the string attachment device. When the screw is rotated to a release position, the screw is retracted from the slot in the string attachment device, thereby allowing the tailpiece to rotate relative to the frame. Thus, the tailpiece is in either a fixed or floating condition, but not both at the same time.