Fallboard Damper with Dual Load Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fallboard opening and closing devices for keyboard instruments fail to dampen the rotational movement of the fallboard when opening, as the load applied is gradually reduced, leading to unsatisfactory control over the opening and closing movements.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a dual damper system, comprising a first damper member that constantly applies a fixed load and a second damper member using a torsion coil spring that adjusts the load based on the opening or closing movement, ensuring consistent damping throughout the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional hinge with a connecting shaft is used to attach the fallboard, then the fallboard can be opened and closed, but the rotational movement cannot be dampened when opening because the load is gradually reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping control of fallboard movementVSAvoidconsistent damping throughout opening and closing

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The damping function is segmented into two independent damper members: a first damper member that constantly applies a fixed load, and a second damper member that applies a variable load based on movement phase. This segmentation allows each damper to specialize in different aspects of the damping requirement, ensuring reliable and consistent damping throughout both opening and closing operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The second damper member dynamically adjusts the load applied to the fallboard based on whether it is opening or closing. The spring member provides different resistance characteristics depending on the direction of movement, enabling the system to maintain optimal damping control for both phases of operation rather than relying on a static, gradual load reduction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Speed

If the connecting shaft is gradually rotated during closing, then the fallboard closes slowly with damping, but the same mechanism fails to provide damping during opening

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrolled closing speedVSAvoidcontrolled opening speed

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The spring member acts as an intermediary element that transmits different levels of resistance during opening versus closing operations. During closing, the spring gradually engages to provide damping, while during opening, the spring's elastic properties enable controlled movement. This intermediary mechanism bridges the gap between the two opposite movement phases, providing appropriate speed control for each.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a single damper mechanism is used, then the structure remains simple, but it cannot provide both constant load application and movement-dependent load adjustment

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenumber of damper membersVSAvoiddamping adaptation to opening and closing phases

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The second damper member with the spring mechanism serves multiple functions: it applies a variable load during closing to gradually dampen movement, and simultaneously provides a different load characteristic during opening to enable controlled movement. This multi-functionality allows a single damper member to adapt to both phases of operation, compensating for the increased component count with enhanced versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution allows for secure and controlled opening and closing of the fallboard by maintaining a consistent damping effect, ensuring the fallboard can be smoothly and satisfactorily opened and closed, with adjustable resistance to match the movement phase.

Implementation Method 1

a second damper member for dampening rotational movement of the fallboard by applying a load to the fallboard depending on a closing movement of the fallboard, and for dampening rotational movement of the fallboard by applying a load to the fallboard depending on an opening movement of the fallboard

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8088983B2Fallboard opening and closing device

Publication Date: 2012.01.03 CASIO COMPUTER CO LTD

AI summary

An opening and closing device 10 for a fallboard 8 includes a first damper member 13 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by constantly applying a fixed load to the fallboard 8, and a second damper member 14 that dampens the rotational movement of the fallboard 8 by applying a load to the fallboard 8 depending on a closing movement or an opening movement of the fallboard 8. Accordingly, when the fallboard 8 is being closed, the closing movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14, and when the fallboard 8 is being opened, the opening movement of the fallboard 8 can be slowed by being dampened by the first damper member 13 and the second damper member 14.