Self-Aligning Locking Mechanism for Folding Guitar Neck
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing folding guitar designs with hinges face challenges in mechanical stability, alignment, and ease of production due to insufficient clearance, impractical attachment methods, and complex installation processes, particularly when integrating hinges into the fretboard, which affects the structural integrity and transportability of the instrument.
Innovation Solution
A self-aligning locking mechanism with conical surfaces and threaded members, such as a bolt or bayonet engagement, is used to securely align and attach the neck and body portions of the guitar, providing improved alignment and securement, allowing for easier assembly and enhanced structural integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional hinge attachment methods are used in folding guitars, then the hinge can be installed, but the structural integrity of the fretboard is compromised and the alignment is imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-drilling clearance holes and precisely positioning alignment pins before final assembly. The alignment pins are inserted into pre-drilled holes in the fretboard, establishing precise reference points before the hinge is attached. This preliminary positioning ensures accurate alignment and maintains fretboard integrity by avoiding complex post-installation adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses alignment pins as intermediary elements that mediate between the hinge and the fretboard. These pins serve as precise locators that transfer the positioning information from the hinge to the fretboard, ensuring accurate alignment without requiring complex direct attachment methods that would compromise structural integrity.
2Strength
If conventional hinge designs are used, then the hinge can support the neck, but insufficient clearance is available for proper installation and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the clearance issue by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface mounting approach to a three-dimensional volumetric approach. The hinge is set into a recess or mortise in the body, creating a pocket that provides the necessary clearance space. This allows the hinge to be properly installed and aligned while maintaining full support capacity, as the recess accommodates the hinge mechanism without requiring excessive surface area.
3Manufacturing precision
If complex installation processes are used to achieve precise alignment, then alignment accuracy improves, but production time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through self-aligning features where the alignment pins automatically guide the hinge into correct position during assembly. The clearance holes and pin locations are designed so that the components self-align without requiring complex jigs, fixtures, or skilled manual adjustment. This maintains high alignment accuracy while significantly simplifying the installation process and increasing production speed.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the guitar is made foldable for transport, then transportability improves, but mechanical stability during performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by implementing a locking mechanism that secures the neck in its extended playing position before performance begins. The locking system pre-establishes the mechanical connection, ensuring that once locked, the neck remains stable and rigid during performance. This allows the guitar to maintain full mechanical stability when needed while retaining the ability to be folded for transport.
Data Source
AI summary
A self aligning folding guitar comprises a neck portion, and a body portion. They hinge it is mounted to the neck portion and the body portion. A first alignment member is secured to the neck portion. The second alignment member is secured to the body portion, the second alignment member meeting with the first alignment member at a substantially fixed position. A securement member secures the first alignment member to the second alignment member.