Keyboard Key Touchweight Measurement Using Plunger Force Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for measuring touchweight in keyboard instruments are time-consuming, imprecise, and prone to user error, making it difficult to accurately tune the keys to individual preferences or instrument specifications.
Innovation Solution
A key measuring device that includes a plunger coupled to a force sensor, capable of measuring downweight, upweight, balance weight, friction, and key dip, with a display for data presentation and communication options, allowing precise and efficient assessment of touchweight parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual placement of small weights on keys is used to measure touchweight, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the process becomes time-consuming and imprecise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical measurement system (placing small weights on keys) with an automated electronic system. A force sensor coupled to a plunger automatically measures the force required to depress and release the key, eliminating manual weight placement and providing precise digital readings of downweight and upweight values.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring device performs the measurement automatically without requiring manual intervention for each measurement point. The plunger automatically moves to depress the key and the force sensor continuously monitors the force applied, allowing the system to self-complete the measurement process and reducing both time and human error.
2Measurement precision
If manual weight placement method is used, then the device complexity is low, but measurement precision and accuracy are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the simple mechanical weight-placement method with an electronic measurement system comprising a force sensor, plunger mechanism, and data processing unit. This substitution provides automated, precise force measurement while the added complexity is confined to the measurement system itself, leaving the keyboard instrument unchanged.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor acts as an intermediary between the manual key depression and the measurement reading. Instead of directly observing the key movement or using manual weights, the force sensor mediates the measurement process by converting mechanical force into electrical signals that can be precisely measured and displayed.
3Reliability
If manual measurement method is used, then the device structure is simple, but user error and imprecision increase
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring device performs all measurements automatically without requiring user intervention for each data point. The plunger automatically depresses the key through a controlled range of motion, the force sensor continuously monitors force application, and the system automatically records and displays results, eliminating user error while maintaining ease of operation through automated execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The force sensor provides continuous feedback on the force applied during key depression and release. This real-time feedback allows the system to accurately capture the touchweight characteristics and provides immediate display of measurement results, ensuring reliability while simplifying the user's role to merely initiating the measurement 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
Enables accurate and efficient measurement of touchweight parameters, facilitating precise tuning of keyboard instruments to suit individual preferences or manufacturer specifications, reducing human error and time consumption.
Implementation Method 1
The plunger may be coupled to a force sensor that is configured to provide an output signal indicative of the force between the plunger and the top surface of the key
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a key measuring device for measuring the touchweight parameters of one or more keys of a keyboard instrument, such as a piano. The key measuring device may include a plunger configured to contact a top surface of a key and move in a direction substantially perpendicular to said top surface and a force sensor coupled to the plunger and configured to provide an output signal indicative of the force between the plunger and the top surface of the key. Also provided are systems and methods for measuring touchweight parameters of a key.