Keyboard Instrument Fallboard Structure with Pivoting Front Plate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional piano-based electronic keyboard instruments face challenges in replicating the acoustic piano appearance and performance, as their fallboard structures interfere with the space behind the keyboard, making it difficult to integrate functional elements and maintain an acoustic piano-like appearance during musical performance.
Innovation Solution
A fallboard structure that can be selectively opened or closed to shield the instrument's interior, allowing the fallboard to be housed within the instrument body, thereby freeing up space for component installation and enabling an acoustic piano-like appearance by pivoting the fallboard and front plate to control the visibility of the panel section and sound emission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the fallboard is made to slide rearward and be housed in the instrument body, then the fallboard can be stored when open, but the fallboard structure cannot replicate the acoustic piano appearance and the space behind the keyboard cannot be effectively utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The fallboard is designed with dynamic positioning capability, allowing it to be either closed against the front plate (replicating acoustic piano appearance) or opened and held in various positions (including fully open position). The fallboard can be selectively positioned between closed and fully open states, providing adaptability while maintaining the acoustic piano aesthetic when needed.
2Ease of operation
If the fallboard is made to fold on the front plate, then the fallboard can be opened, but the space rearward and upward of the keyboard section is interfered with and cannot be used for functional elements
Solution Approach 1:
The fallboard is designed to rotate about a horizontal axis positioned at the rear edge of the keyboard section, allowing it to open in a vertical arc rather than folding horizontally on the front plate. This dimensional change in the opening motion enables the fallboard to clear the space above the keyboard, allowing functional elements to be disposed in the previously obstructed area while maintaining ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fallboard is made to slide rearward, then the fallboard can be stored, but the external appearance after opening differs significantly from the acoustic piano
Solution Approach 1:
The fallboard maintains the ability to be positioned in multiple states: closed against the front plate to replicate acoustic piano appearance, or fully open for performance. The dynamic positioning system allows selective adoption of either configuration based on performance requirements, preserving aesthetic fidelity while enabling functional versatility.
4Productivity
If the optical bodies are always exposed and visible, then optical performance assist can be provided, but the instrument is always recognized as an electronic musical instrument and cannot achieve acoustic piano-like appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical bodies are positioned within the fallboard structure such that they are exposed and visible only when the fallboard is in the fully open position during performance. When the fallboard is closed, the optical bodies are concealed, allowing the instrument to achieve acoustic piano-like appearance. This dynamic exposure mechanism enables selective activation of optical performance assist functionality while maintaining aesthetic versatility.
Data Source
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AI summary
A fallboard structure of a keyboard instrument capable of selectively shielding or opening the inside of the instrument from or toward a player. A fallboard covers a keyboard section when it is closed, and permits the keyboard section to be operated for performance when it is open. A front plate pivotally supports the fallboard and shields a space upward and rearward of the keyboard section against a player when it is in a first state. When the fallboard is made open and engaging portions of the front plate are moved along displacement guides provided at supporting portions disposed at side portions of a keybed, the front plate is moved in unison with the fallboard and changed to a second state where the space upward and rearward of the keyboard section is open toward the player.