Neck Heel Flex Connection with Humidity-Compensating Rectification Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing stringed instruments, particularly guitars with long necks, face challenges in maintaining neck alignment and fingerboard positioning due to deformations caused by varying atmospheric humidity, requiring manual adjustments through complex systems.

Innovation Solution

A flexible connection system using a wooden rectification element with longitudinal rings, coupled to the neck heel and fixing block via a rod, which automatically compensates for humidity-induced dilatations, featuring a screw-shaped push rod with a threaded connection to maintain neck alignment and prevent separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manually operable screws and adjustment systems are used to connect the neck heel to the fixing block, then the neck alignment can be adjusted, but the system requires frequent manual adjustments and becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneck alignmentVSAvoidadjustment system
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wooden rectification element automatically adjusts neck alignment by expanding or contracting in response to humidity changes, eliminating the need for manual adjustment operations. The element serves itself by using environmental humidity as the actuation mechanism to maintain proper neck positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The rectification element changes its physical dimensions (expands or contracts) based on humidity parameter changes in the environment. This dimensional change directly compensates for neck deformation caused by humidity variations, maintaining alignment without mechanical adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Manufacturing precision

If manually operable adjustment systems are used, then neck alignment can be corrected, but frequent manual adjustments are required due to humidity variations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefingerboard positioningVSAvoidadjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The rectification element continuously and automatically maintains fingerboard positioning by responding to humidity changes in real-time, eliminating the time loss associated with periodic manual adjustments. The system self-regulates without requiring user intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The wooden rectification element provides continuous adjustment action as humidity changes occur, rather than requiring discrete manual adjustments. The element maintains constant engagement with the neck heel, providing ongoing correction of positioning drift.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Stability of the object's composition

If rigid connection of neck heel to fixing block is used, then structural stability is improved, but the connection cannot compensate for humidity-induced deformations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneck connection stabilityVSAvoidhumidity compensation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection system transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic adaptive connection. The wooden rectification element can change its dimensions dynamically in response to humidity conditions, allowing the connection to maintain stability while adapting to environmental changes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The physical parameters of the rectification element (length, volume) change in response to humidity, enabling the connection to compensate for deformations. This parameter change allows the system to maintain both stability and adaptability simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Strength

If multiple structural components and spacers are added to enhance structural integrity, then neck alignment can be maintained, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidconnection components
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the need for multiple complex structural components, spacers, and reinforcement elements by using a single wooden rectification element that provides both structural support and humidity compensation functions through its material properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wooden rectification element performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, maintains neck alignment, and compensates for humidity-induced deformations. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution simplifies the adjustment process, ensuring automatic neck rectification and maintaining proper fingerboard alignment and string tension, reducing the need for manual adjustments and enhancing structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

a wooden rectification element (11) with atmospheric humidity that is the cause of dilatation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHygroscopic expansion and contraction: Absorption (physical)

Data Source

PatentEP3095111B1Neck for stringed instrument
Publication Date: 2023.02.22 FURCH GUITARS SRO
  • EP3095111B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3095111B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

Stringed instrument (1), especially the guitar with flexible connection of the upper part (3) of the heel (4) of the neck (2) below the fingerboard (5) to the fixing block (6) in the body of the instrument (1), whereby the lower free end of the heel (4) of the neck (2) is coupled to a fixing block (6) in the body of a stringed instrument (1) through the rod (10) via a rectification element (11) which dilates in reaction to atmospheric humidity changes.