Guitar Bridge With Integrated Saddle For String Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing adjustable bridges for guitars, particularly those with vibratos, face issues with string displacement due to inadequate tension, leading to unwanted vibration and decreased sound quality, and are difficult to adjust properly, with screws often loosening during play and causing interference with strings.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable bridge design featuring a base member with recessed unitary saddle elements, swivels, and compression springs for precise intonation and height adjustments, reducing string displacement and vibration, and minimizing contact between strings and adjustment screws.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If prior art adjustable bridges are used with vibratos, then string tension is applied to individual barrels, but strings become displaced during playing and height adjustment screws loosen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple adjustment functions (intonation and height adjustment) into a single integrated saddle element. The saddle includes both an intonation adjustment screw and height adjustment screws as unified components, preventing relative movement between adjustment mechanisms and eliminating the problem of loosening screws during playing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features such as recesses in the saddle that receive the adjustment screws, and pre-configured thread directions (opposite directions for different screws) that prevent loosening before playing begins. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures stability during operation.
2Measurement precision
If individual string length and height are adjusted using multiple screws per barrel, then precise intonation control is achieved, but adjustment becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple adjustment functions into a single integrated saddle element. The saddle includes both an intonation adjustment screw and height adjustment screws as unified components, allowing simultaneous control of multiple parameters from one location, thereby reducing adjustment time while maintaining precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different thread directions to different adjustment screws within the same saddle (clockwise for intonation, counter-clockwise for height). This local differentiation allows precise control of each parameter while enabling the adjuster to work efficiently by knowing which screw to turn and in which direction.
3Ease of operation
If barrel adjustment screws are positioned relative to strings for access, then adjustments can be made, but strings contact screws during playing causing unwanted vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the adjustment screws from positions where they would contact strings during playing. The screws are positioned in recesses on the saddle such that they are accessible for adjustment but do not protrude into the string path, thereby eliminating unwanted string vibration while maintaining adjustment accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the saddle body as an intermediary structure that provides access to adjustment screws without requiring the screws themselves to be in direct contact with strings. The recesses in the saddle act as intermediaries that allow screw access while preventing string-screw contact during playing.
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 bridge maintains consistent string tension, reduces unwanted vibration, and simplifies adjustments, ensuring accurate pitch at each fret position while improving sound quality and playability.
Implementation Method 1
compression springs for precise intonation and height adjustments, reducing string displacement and vibration
Implementation Method 2
swivels, and compression springs for precise intonation and height adjustments
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a reliable, easily adjustable bridge for a string instrument and preferably a guitar and even more preferably a six-string electric guitar. The adjustable bridge of the present invention allows for adjustment of string length using only four intonation adjustment screws.