Elastic Corrugated Weight for Keyboard Musical Instrument Keys
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for attaching weights to keyboard instrument keys, such as adhesion and insert molding, are labor-intensive and costly, requiring multiple molds for various weight types and involving the use of adhesives and complex manufacturing processes.
Innovation Solution
A weight with a corrugated portion made of an elastic material, such as rubber, is inserted into an attachment space, where the corrugations generate friction to secure the weight, eliminating the need for adhesives and molds, and allowing for simple and cost-effective attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If adhesion method is used to attach weights to keys, then weights can be attached to keys, but the process requires too much work and waiting time for adhesive hardening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system with a mechanical retention system. The weight uses a corrugated structure with protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the key, eliminating the need for adhesive agents and their associated waiting times. This mechanical interlocking achieves secure attachment without chemical bonding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the weight by introducing a corrugated structure with specific geometric features (protrusions and recesses). This structural parameter change enables mechanical engagement with the key, transforming the attachment mechanism from chemical to physical retention.
2Reliability
If insert molding is used to embed weights inside keys, then weights are securely enclosed, but exclusive molds are required for each weight type increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal attachment mechanism where a single key design with standardized recesses can accommodate multiple weight types. The weights feature standardized protrusions that fit into the key's recesses, allowing one key mold to serve multiple weight configurations without requiring exclusive molds for each weight type.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the attachment mechanism into two independent components: the key with its recess structure and the weight with its protrusion structure. This segmentation allows the key to be manufactured once with a universal attachment interface, while weights can be varied independently without requiring new key molds.
3Weight of moving object
If metal weights are used, then sufficient weight is achieved, but adhesive attachment is required adding process complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the chemical adhesion system with a mechanical retention system. The weight uses a corrugated structure with protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the key, eliminating the need for adhesive agents and their associated waiting times. This mechanical interlocking achieves secure attachment without chemical bonding processes.
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 solution enables easy and inexpensive attachment of weights to keys, reducing manufacturing complexity and costs while providing a secure and effective load distribution, suitable for various keyboard instruments.
Implementation Method 1
the corrugated portion is interposed between the weight body portion and a wall, defining the attachment space, and elastically deformed
Implementation Method 2
Frictional force is consequently generated between the corrugated portion and the wall defining the attachment space
Data Source
AI summary
A weight for a key of a keyboard musical instrument that is to be inserted and secured in an attachment space, provided to the key, is provided. The weight includes: a weight body portion; and a corrugated portion, disposed in at least one portion of a lateral surface of the weight body portion, the lateral surface being located around an axis extending in an inserting direction of the weight body portion into the attachment space, the corrugated portion including a plurality of corrugations aligned in the inserting direction. The weight body portion and the corrugated portion are made of an elastic material.