Keyboard Damper Bar Adjustment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard percussion instruments require the use of tools and bending of mechanical parts to adjust the damping mechanism, making it impractical for rapid changes between different damping scenarios, such as uniform damping of all keys, treble keys first, or bass keys first, especially during musical performances or maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism that allows independent adjustment of the damping bar's height at both ends using thumbscrews, enabling selection of all three damping scenarios without the need for tools, allowing quick and easy operation without accessing the instrument's internal structure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional fastening elements are used to adjust the damping bar, then the damping scenarios can be adjusted, but tools are required and adjustment is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are designed to be manually operable without tools, allowing the user to independently adjust the damping bar position. The mechanism enables self-service adjustment where the user can directly manipulate the fastening elements to achieve different damping scenarios (all keys simultaneous, treble first, bass first) without requiring external tools or assistance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then damping adjustment is possible, but the mechanism is complex and requires accessing internal structure
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is segmented into independent fastening elements positioned at each end of the damping bar. Each fastening element can be independently adjusted to control the damping bar's contact with keys at different positions. This segmentation allows for simplified, localized adjustments rather than requiring complex global reconfiguration of the entire damping mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening elements serve as intermediary components between the user and the damping bar. These intermediaries enable easy adjustment by providing accessible manipulation points that translate user input into precise damping bar positioning without requiring direct access to the internal structure or complex mechanical linkages.
3Adaptability or versatility
If fastening elements are positioned inside the damping bar structure, then adjustment is possible, but accessibility is poor and adjustment is awkward
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the fastening elements inside the damping bar structure where they would be difficult to access, the fastening elements are inverted to accessible locations on the exterior or sides of the damping bar. This inversion allows users to easily reach and manipulate the adjustment mechanism without having to reach into the internal structure of the instrument, significantly improving ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard percussion instrument (100) generates sounds when keys (130) or other such members are struck. A movable damper bar (140) is brought into contact with the keys to artistically shorten their ringing duration. When pressed, a pedal (145) removes the damper bar from contact with the keys. When the pedal is released, a spring (1010) urges the damper bar into contact with the keys. The damper bar is supported by a pair of arms (165) that pivot about pivot points (800) at the ends of movable posts (520) that extend from a pair of pivot height adjusting mechanisms (175). Each pivot height adjusting mechanism has two adjusting screws. A first screw (510) urges a post to move up or down and a second screw (565) fixes the post in position when tightened. Adjusting the heights of the pivot points provides control over the damping of key vibrations.