Folding Marimba Connecting Member Stop Block
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Solution Overview
Problem
Percussion musical instruments like marimbas face challenges in compactness for easier carrying, particularly for younger players, while also needing to transition from compact to full-size for skill development, with existing designs prone to over-rotation and interference when folded.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates unique connecting members and stop blocks to allow tone bars to pivot and fold into a compact configuration, maintaining frames in a spaced-apart, parallel relation without over-rotation, ensuring proper alignment and preventing interference when unfolding for performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the marimba is made full-size for proper skill development, then the instrument provides adequate playing surface and sound quality, but it becomes difficult to carry and store
Solution Approach 1:
The marimba is divided into two separate frames (first frame and second frame) that can be independently folded. Each frame supports a set of tone bars, allowing the instrument to be segmented into manageable sections for transport while maintaining full instrument functionality when assembled.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting member enables dynamic transformation between a compact folded state for transport and a full-size extended state for performance. The hinge mechanism allows the frames to pivot relative to each other, providing adaptability between different operational modes.
2Volume of moving object
If the frames are allowed to fold freely for compact storage, then the instrument becomes easier to transport, but the tone bars may over-rotate and interfere with each other
Solution Approach 1:
The stop block is positioned to prevent over-rotation of the connecting member before interference between tone bars occurs. This preliminary constraint ensures that the frames can fold to a compact position without allowing excessive movement that would cause the tone bars to cross or interfere with each other.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop block acts as an intermediary element between the connecting member and the tone bars. It mediates the rotation motion by providing a physical limit that prevents the connecting member from rotating beyond the safe angle, thereby protecting the tone bars from interference while still enabling compact folding.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the connecting member allows full rotation for compact folding, then the instrument compactness is maximized, but the frames cannot maintain proper parallel relationship for performance
Solution Approach 1:
The stop block is pre-positioned at a specific angle relative to the connecting member to ensure that when the frames are folded and then unfolded, they automatically return to the correct parallel alignment. This preliminary positioning ensures proper alignment without requiring active control during the folding/unfolding process.
Data Source
AI summary
A foldable idiophone musical instrument may have two frames to support accidental tone bars on the first frame and natural tone bars on the second frame. Connecting members may attach to opposite ends of the frames. The connecting members may allow the frames to rotate from 0° to 180° from a horizontal position to collapse or fold the instrument. The connecting members may have a riser portion and a stop block portion. The riser portion may elevate the accidental tone bars above the natural tone bars. The stop block portion may prevent the frames from rotating to less than 0° from the horizontal when in a performance position.