Piano Actuator Attachment via String Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing piano actuators require processing or adhesive use for attachment and detachment, which is troublesome and potentially damaging to piano components.
Innovation Solution
An actuator design featuring a vibrating body with an attachment portion sandwiched between the piano's bridge and strings, allowing for easy attachment and detachment without processing or adhesives, using a configuration with first and second extension portions and a pulling portion to secure the actuator in place.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the actuator is embedded or fixed in the bridge using processing or adhesive, then the attachment is secure and stable, but the attachment process becomes troublesome and may damage piano components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bridgelet as an intermediary component between the actuator and the bridge. The bridgelet has a through-hole that receives the actuator's attachment portion, and is clamped by the string, creating a mediator structure that enables secure attachment without direct processing or adhesive application to the bridge or actuator components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical attachment methods (screws, adhesives, processing) with a string tension-based clamping mechanism. The string's tensile force clamps the bridgelet against the bridge, securing the actuator through mechanical tension rather than permanent fixation methods.
2Reliability
If processing or adhesive is used to attach the actuator to the piano, then the attachment is secure, but the piano components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The bridgelet serves as a protective intermediary that absorbs the attachment function away from the bridge and actuator components. By clamping the bridgelet between the string and bridge, the system avoids direct contact and potential damage from adhesives or processing tools to the valuable piano components.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridgelet appears to be a sacrificial or replaceable component designed to protect the more valuable bridge and actuator. If damage occurs, the bridgelet can be replaced without affecting the permanent components of the piano.
3Ease of operation
If the attachment portion is sandwiched between the bridge and string, then the actuator can be easily attached and detached without processing or adhesive, but the attachment mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment system is segmented into distinct functional components: the actuator's attachment portion, the bridgelet with its through-hole, and the clamping string. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall attachment process despite the added parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridgelet serves multiple functions: it provides a mounting surface for the actuator, acts as a clamp when compressed by the string, and protects the bridge from direct attachment forces. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function.
Data Source
AI summary
An actuator is used for a piano includes a bridge and strings. The actuator includes: a vibrating body; and an attachment portion configured to attach the vibrating body to the piano, the attachment portion being configured to be sandwiched between the bridge and at least one string, among the strings of the piano.