Pivoting Harp String Lengthener for Precise Pitch Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harp devices that alter string frequency by shortening the vibrating length have disadvantages, including mechanical stress and limited tuning capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Apparatus for lengthening the vibrating length of harp strings using pivotable adjuster members and securing means to increase tension, allowing for precise frequency adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If known devices shorten the vibrating length of strings to alter frequency, then frequency adjustment is achieved, but mechanical stress on strings increases and tuning capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of shortening the vibrating length of strings to increase frequency (conventional approach), this invention inverts the approach by lengthening the string path through a detour around a pulley. This allows frequency increase while reducing mechanical stress on the strings, as the string tension is redistributed along the extended path rather than concentrated at the bridge.
Solution Approach 2:
A pulley is introduced as an intermediary device between the string and the bridge. The string wraps around the pulley, allowing the frequency adjustment mechanism to act through the pulley's rotation rather than directly on the string. This intermediary reduces the mechanical stress transmitted to the string while maintaining the frequency alteration effect.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vibrating length of strings is shortened to increase frequency, then pitch is altered, but the range of adjustment is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a movable pulley that can rotate to different positions, dynamically changing the string path length. As the pulley rotates, the string wraps around it to varying degrees, allowing continuous adjustment of the vibrating length and thus the pitch. This dynamic mechanism enables a broader adjustment range compared to fixed-length systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to frequency adjustment by introducing the pulley's rotational degree of freedom. Instead of simply shortening the string along its original axis, the string is redirected through a third dimension (the pulley's circumference), allowing for greater adjustment range without compromising the string's fundamental vibrating characteristics.
3Ease of manufacture
If apparatus complexity is reduced for cost-effectiveness, then manufacturing cost decreases, but tuning precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The pulley system is designed to be self-adjusting through its mechanical geometry. As the pulley rotates, the string naturally wraps and unwraps, providing automatic tension distribution and frequency adjustment without requiring complex electronic sensors or motors. This self-service mechanism maintains tuning precision while keeping the apparatus simple and cost-effective to manufacture.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention achieves precise tuning by changing the geometric parameters of the string path (the angle and extent of wrapping around the pulley) rather than requiring precise manufacturing tolerances on multiple components. This parameter-based adjustment allows for accurate pitch control through simple mechanical rotation, maintaining precision without increasing manufacturing complexity.
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
Enhances tuning precision and reduces mechanical stress on harp strings, enabling pitch adjustments of up to one or two semitones with cost-effective and robust design.
Implementation Method 1
adjuster members for increasing the length of the strings in order to increase the tension in the strings and thereby alter the frequency of vibration of the strings
Implementation Method 2
the strings are plucked to cause the strings to vibrate at different frequencies. The vibrations are transferred to the body which acts as a soundboard to provide the required tone from each of the strings
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus (32) for lengthening the vibrating length of strings (34) on a harp, which apparatus (32) comprises: (i) securing means (42) for securing one end of the strings (34); (ii) adjuster members (46) for increasing the length of the strings (34) in order to increase the tension in the strings and thereby alter the frequency of vibration of the strings (34); and (iii) mounting means (48) for mounting the apparatus (32) on the harp (36) and wherein: (iv) there is one of the adjuster members (46) for each one of the strings (34); and (v) the adjuster members (46) are pivotable adjuster members (46) which are pivotable between a string non-lengthening position and a string lengthening position.