Fader Device Compression Coil Spring Friction Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fader devices with leaf springs experience variability in friction force due to manufacturing errors and wear, making adjustment difficult due to a large adjustable cam width and limited angular range.

Innovation Solution

A fader device employing a compression coil spring to generate friction, providing a stable and easily adjustable force with minimal variation over time, using a guide rail and slider with a pressure-contact member and a housing for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a leaf spring is used to generate friction force, then the fader device can provide friction resistance, but the friction force varies due to manufacturing errors and time-dependent alteration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestability of friction forceVSAvoidvariation in friction force

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spring type from leaf spring to compression coil spring, which fundamentally alters the elastic force characteristics. Compression coil springs provide more consistent elastic force with less variation under compression, directly addressing the reliability issue of friction force stability while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If the adjustable width of cam is increased to correct friction force variation, then the friction force can be adjusted, but the angular range of cam becomes smaller and adjustment becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of friction forceVSAvoidease of cam adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the spring type from leaf spring to compression coil spring, which fundamentally alters the elastic force characteristics. Compression coil springs provide more consistent elastic force with less variation under compression, directly addressing the reliability issue of friction force stability while reducing sensitivity to manufacturing tolerances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 fader device offers a stable and adjustable friction force, enhancing user control and operational ease by minimizing elastic force changes with compression, suitable for applications like PA and DJ mixers.

Implementation Method 1

a compression coil spring that presses the pressure-contact member toward the guide rail or the friction target member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

generate a friction force between the guide rail and the slider

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10778350B2Fader device

Publication Date: 2020.09.15 YAMAHA CORP

AI summary

A fader device according to an aspect of the present invention includes: a guide rail that extends linearly and a slider that slidably engages with the guide rail, in which the slider includes a pressure-contact member that is to be in pressure contact with the guide rail, and a compression coil spring for jutting the pressure-contact member toward the guide rail.