Keyboard Rotation Mechanism With Integrated Stopper Against Detachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The assembly of acoustic piano action mechanisms is complex and time-consuming due to the numerous components involved, and existing rotation mechanisms for hammer assemblies in pianos are prone to detachment under strong key-strikes, which can damage the rotating shaft.
Innovation Solution
A rotation mechanism comprising a shaft portion, a bearing portion, a protruding portion, and a stopper is designed, where the bearing portion rotates and slides relative to the shaft portion, with a stopper-contacting portion and a reinforcing member to prevent detachment by contacting the stopper when a strong external force is applied, enhancing mechanical strength and reducing frictional resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a bearing portion is fitted to a shaft portion in a conventional rotation mechanism, then the hammer assembly can rotate, but the bearing portion may detach under strong key-strikes
Solution Approach 1:
The rotation mechanism is divided into distinct functional segments: the shaft portion with protruding portion, the bearing portion with opening, and the stopper. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the protruding portion provides rotational support, the opening allows assembly, and the stopper prevents detachment - while working together as an integrated system that solves the detachment problem under strong key-strikes
Solution Approach 2:
The stopper is positioned in advance to counteract the detachment force before it can cause damage. When the bearing portion experiences strong key-strikes that would normally cause detachment, the stopper already in place provides immediate resistance, preventing the bearing portion from separating from the shaft portion and avoiding damage to the rotating shaft
2Ease of operation
If the bearing portion slides relative to the shaft portion, then rotation is enabled, but frictional resistance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding interface between the bearing portion and shaft portion is optimized locally to reduce friction. The bearing portion is designed with specific surface characteristics at the sliding region that minimize frictional resistance, allowing the hammer assembly to rotate smoothly with reduced energy loss while maintaining the necessary rotational movement for key-strike operation
3Reliability
If a shaft stopper is used to suppress detaching, then detachment is prevented, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The stopper is integrally formed with the bearing portion, merging two functions into a single component. The bearing portion provides rotational support while the integrally formed stopper prevents detachment, eliminating the need for separate stopper components and reducing assembly complexity. This integration maintains reliable detachment prevention while simplifying the overall assembly process
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 proposed rotation mechanism effectively prevents detachment of the bearing portion from the shaft portion, enhancing the mechanical strength and durability of the shaft portion, thereby improving the reliability and longevity of the piano's hammer assembly under strong key-strikes.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing portion configured to rotate with respect to a predetermined axis as a center of rotation
Implementation Method 2
configured to slide relative to an outer periphery of the shaft portion
Data Source
AI summary
A rotation mechanism includes a shaft portion, a bearing portion, a protruding portion, and a stopper. The bearing portion configured to rotate with respect to a predetermined axis as a center of rotation and configured to slide relative to an outer periphery of the shaft portion. The protruding portion protrudes from the shaft portion. The stopper is integrally formed the bearing portion. The stopper faces the protruding portion. A length of the protruding portion in a direction in which the protruding portion protrudes is larger than a distance from the center of rotation to a sliding portion where the bearing portion slides relative to the outer periphery of the shaft portion.