Spring-Activated Cymbal Mount with Rotating Stop Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cymbal attachment methods, such as those using wing-nuts, are inefficient for quick attachment and detachment, cause wear and erosion of cymbals due to angular surfaces, and do not allow for adjustable tension to accommodate different cymbal weights.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained cymbal attachment device featuring a semi-spherical head nut with a rotating stop arm, spring-activated mechanism, and adjustable tension element, which provides a smooth contact surface, centers the cymbal, and allows for quick mounting and dismounting without requiring removal of a fastener, while accommodating various cymbal weights through adjustable spring tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a wing-nut or permanent attachment element is used to secure the cymbal, then the cymbal is held firmly in place, but the attachment and detachment process becomes time-consuming and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a dynamic latch mechanism that can quickly transition between locked and unlocked states. The latch is spring-loaded to automatically engage with the cymbal's mounting hole, providing secure holding without requiring manual tightening like a wing-nut. For quick release, the latch can be manually disengaged with a simple lifting motion, eliminating the time-consuming unscrewing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism automatically engages and secures the cymbal once it is placed on the mounting stem, eliminating the need for manual tightening operations. The system self-adjusts to hold the cymbal securely without requiring the user to perform additional fastening actions, thus reducing attachment time while maintaining reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If angular surfaces are used on the mounting device, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but wear and erosion of the cymbal mounting hole occurs due to friction and abrasion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting stem features a spherical or rounded contact surface instead of angular surfaces. This curved surface distributes the contact pressure more evenly across the cymbal's mounting hole, reducing point-load abrasion and wear. The spherical interface also allows for smoother engagement and disengagement, minimizing friction-induced erosion while maintaining structural simplicity.
3Device complexity
If a fixed tension mechanism is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different cymbal weights and provide optimal holding for various cymbals
Solution Approach 1:
The tension mechanism incorporates an adjustable component that allows the user to modify the spring preload or latch tension based on the specific cymbal being mounted. This dynamic adjustability enables the same device to optimally secure cymbals of varying weights and sizes, from lightweight splash cymbals to heavier ride cymbals, without requiring multiple specialized devices.
4Productivity
If a quick-release mechanism is implemented, then attachment and detachment speed is improved, but the risk of accidental disengagement or insufficient securing may increase
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism is designed with a deliberate mechanical advantage that requires a specific, intentional motion to disengage. The spring-loaded engagement provides strong initial securing force, and the release mechanism requires a deliberate lifting or pressing action that is unlikely to occur accidentally during normal cymbal use. This preliminary design against accidental activation ensures reliability while maintaining quick intentional release capability.
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 rapid and secure attachment/detachment of cymbals, minimizes wear, and ensures consistent centering, addressing the inefficiencies of prior methods and providing adjustable tension for different cymbal weights.
Implementation Method 1
a tension element, such as a spring, biased against the retaining member and cymbal felt seat
Implementation Method 2
the stop arm, when positioned in a closed position, retains the cymbal between the upper and lower cymbal felts
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable, spring-activated wing nut-less cymbal mount having a rotating stop arm that may be quickly opened and closed for easy mounting and dismounting of a cymbal and cymbal felts. The device is hand operated without tools and can be adjusted for cymbal play action, as well to better adapt to different weight cymbals. The device is self-contained to avoid misplacing parts during cymbal changeovers.