Guitar Bridge Anchoring via Threaded Receivers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric guitars face a challenge in balancing the need for rigidity to sustain string vibrations with the requirement for flexibility to produce adequate volume, as conventional bracing methods are not applicable due to limited internal space.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves attaching a bridge to the guitar top using anchor bolts with threaded receivers, allowing for adjustable tension and flexibility in the guitar top, while also providing a mechanism to easily adjust the saddle portion of the bridge without disturbing the bridge's location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the supporting structure is made rigid to sustain string vibrations, then sustain is improved, but volume is reduced due to limited vibrational amplitude
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating specific rigid zones through routed recesses and adhesive application patterns on the guitar top. The routing creates localized stiffening areas that anchor the bridge while allowing other areas to remain flexible for volume production. This selective application of rigidity resolves the contradiction between sustain and volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge support structure is segmented into multiple functional zones: routed recesses for anchoring, adhesive application areas for bonding, and flexible regions for vibration transmission. This segmentation allows different parts of the structure to perform conflicting functions simultaneously - providing both rigidity for sustain and flexibility for volume.
2Strength
If conventional bracing is used to create stiffness, then structural rigidity is improved, but the guitar top lacks sufficient internal space for bracing installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the bracing function from traditional internal bracing structures and relocates it to the surface level of the guitar top. By routing recesses and applying adhesive patterns on the top surface, the stiffness-providing function is achieved without requiring internal space, thus resolving the contradiction between rigidity and internal volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from three-dimensional internal bracing to two-dimensional surface-level routing and adhesive application. This dimensional shift allows the creation of rigid zones without consuming internal space, as the structural modification occurs on the surface plane rather than within the guitar body volume.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the bridge is firmly anchored to the guitar top, then sustain is improved, but adjustment of the saddle portion becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by creating an adjustable anchoring system where the bridge can be firmly secured during operation for optimal sustain, yet can be easily repositioned when adjustment is needed. The routed recesses and adhesive system allow for controlled mobility, transitioning between fixed and adjustable states as required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-routing recesses and pre-applying adhesive in specific patterns that facilitate both firm anchoring and future adjustability. The preparation work is done in advance to create an system that maintains sustain while preserving adjustment capability, eliminating the need for destructive modifications during later adjustments.
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 approach enhances the guitar's sound quality by allowing for tuned rigidity and flexibility in the guitar top, improving sustain and volume, while also providing a robust and durable anchoring system for the bridge.
Implementation Method 1
A receiver is disposed between each anchor bolt and the inner surface of the bridge support, the receiver having inner threads for a threaded connection to the anchor bolt and outer threads for a threaded connection to the bridge support
Data Source
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AI summary
A guitar (100) comprises a body (110) having a bottom and sides and a top (115). A bridge (135) is attached to the top (115) with at least two anchor bolts (330) extending through the top and secured within a bridge support (175) with a threaded connection between an outer surface of the bolts (330) and an inner surface of the bridge support (175). A receiver (335) is disposed between each anchor bolt (330) and the inner surface of the bridge support (175), the receiver (335) having inner threads (336) for a threaded connection to the anchor bolt (330) and outer threads(340) for a threaded connection to the bridge support (175).