Elastic Key Weight with High-Density Insert for Keyboard Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional key weights for keyboard instruments are too light, resulting in a lackluster touch feeling and risk of displacement or falling off due to reduced elastic deformation over time.
Innovation Solution
A key weight system comprising a first weight made of an elastic material and a second weight with higher specific gravity, where the first weight is elastically deformed to latch with the key's weight accommodating portion, ensuring secure mounting and adjustable weight through interchangeable second weights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key weight made of elastic material is used, then the key weight can be easily mounted in the key by being pushed into the weight accommodating portion, but the weight of the key weight is relatively light resulting in light response and poor touch feeling
Solution Approach 1:
The key weight is constructed as a composite of two different materials: an elastic material (first weight) providing mounting functionality and a heavy material with larger specific gravity (second weight) providing sufficient weight. This composite structure allows the key weight to be both easy to mount and sufficiently heavy for excellent touch feeling.
Solution Approach 2:
The key weight is divided into two separate components: a first weight made of elastic material that interfaces with the key's weight accommodating portion, and a second weight made of material with larger specific gravity that is mounted within the first weight. This segmentation allows each component to fulfill its specific function while together providing the desired overall performance.
2Ease of manufacture
If the key weight is fixed only by the thrust of elastic ridge portions, then the key weight can be easily mounted, but if the returning forces are reduced by long-term use, the key weight may be displaced downward or fall off
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic material of the first weight serves as a cushioning element that compensates for the degradation of returning forces over time. By using an elastic material with appropriate properties, the design anticipates and compensates for the gradual loss of elastic force, maintaining reliable retention even after long-term use.
Solution Approach 2:
The combination of elastic material (first weight) and heavy material (second weight) creates a composite structure where the elastic component provides both easy mounting through deformation and reliable retention through sustained elastic forces, while the heavy component provides the necessary weight without compromising the elastic mounting mechanism.
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 system provides a sufficient weight for enhanced touch feedback and prevents key weight displacement, allowing for easy mounting and secure retention.
Implementation Method 1
the first weight is latched with inner surfaces of the weight accommodating portion in a state in which the first weight is elastically deformed by reaction forces from the inner surfaces
Data Source
AI summary
A key weight that is mounted in a key for a keyboard instrument by being inserted from outside into a weight accommodating portion formed in the key. The key weight includes a first weight made of an elastic material, and a second weight made of a material having a larger specific gravity than the first weight and mounted in the first weight. The first weight is configured such that when the first weight having the second weight mounted therein is mounted in the weight accommodating portion by being pushed into the weight accommodating portion, the first weight is latched with inner surfaces of the weight accommodating portion in a state in which the first weight is elastically deformed by reaction forces from the inner surfaces.