Magnetic Hex Wrench Tool for Guitar Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for accessing a hex wrench for double locking vibrato systems on stringed instruments require drilling into the guitar, are not transferable, and often do not fit on instruments with limited space, especially those with a 3-per-side headstock, making them impractical for professional musicians.
Innovation Solution
A hex wrench tool with a polymer body and neodymium magnet that securely attaches to the instrument's tuning machines, allowing easy access without drilling, featuring a hexagonal shape for fitting into hexagonal sockets and a magnetic attachment to prevent falling during use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hex tool holding device is mounted to the guitar using screws, then the hex wrench can be securely held, but the guitar is damaged and the mounting is not transferable between instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical screw-drilling system with a magnetic field-based attachment system. The hex tool holder contains a magnet that magnetically attracts to the magnetic surface on the back of the guitar's tuning machine, eliminating the need for screws and drilling while providing secure holding of the hex wrench.
2Ease of operation
If a hex tool holding device is mounted on the back of the instrument, then it provides easy access, but there is not enough room on instruments with 3-per-side headstock to fit the hex wrenches
Solution Approach 1:
The patent relocates the hex tool holder from the traditional back-of-instrument mounting location to the headstock area, specifically utilizing the space around the tuning machines. This dimensional relocation provides access to previously unavailable mounting real estate on instruments with limited space.
Solution Approach 2:
The hex tool holder is designed to nest around the tuning machine posts or attach to the headstock structure, utilizing the existing structural elements of the instrument rather than requiring separate mounting space. This nesting approach allows the tool holder to integrate with the instrument's existing geometry.
3Reliability
If the hex wrench is held in a device that requires drilling and mounting to each guitar, then it provides secure attachment, but it is not readily transferrable without multiple tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal hex tool holder design that can be attached to any guitar with a magnetic surface on the tuning machine. The same holder design works across different instrument types and manufacturers, eliminating the need for instrument-specific mounting solutions and enabling a single tool to serve multiple instruments.
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 quick and secure access to the hex wrench during performances, maintaining instrument tuning without damaging the guitar and accommodating various instrument configurations, including those with limited space.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet disposed on the second surface of the body and configured to be attached to a magnetic surface on the stringed instrument
Data Source
AI summary
A tool for use with a locking mechanism of an instrument setup of a stringed musical instrument comprises a body having a longitudinal axis, a transverse axis, a first surface extending along the longitudinal axis, and a second surface substantially parallel to the first surface of the body. The tool also includes a key disposed on the first surface and extending substantially along the transverse axis and a magnet disposed on the second surface of the body is configured for being received within a socketed head of the locking mechanism of the instrument setup system. The magnet is configured to be attached to a magnetic surface on the stringed instrument to hold the tool in place during use for “one handed” operation.