Pivoting Upright Piano Front Panel for Tuning Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing upright piano designs require the removal of the entire upper front panel assembly for tuning, which is cumbersome and disrupts the visual continuity of the instrument.
Innovation Solution
A pivotally mounted upper front panel that can rotate between closed and open positions, allowing access for tuning while maintaining visual continuity with the keyboard arms and providing a smooth, uninterrupted surface, and is removably attached using pivot pegs and clips for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the entire upper front panel assembly is removed for tuning, then access to the piano interior is achieved, but visual continuity is disrupted and the operation becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The upper front panel assembly is segmented into a fixed frame portion and a removable panel portion. The frame remains permanently attached to provide structural support and visual continuity, while the panel can be independently removed for tuning access. This segmentation allows the panel to be detached without removing the entire assembly, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.
2Reliability
If the upper front panel is permanently fixed, then structural stability is maintained, but access for tuning is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The upper front panel transitions from a static permanently fixed state to a dynamic removable state. The panel is designed with removable attachment mechanisms that allow it to be easily detached and reattached, providing dynamic access for tuning while maintaining structural stability when closed. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If the upper front panel is made removable, then access for tuning is improved, but visual continuity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The panel portion is extracted as a separate removable component from the frame structure. This extraction allows the panel to be removed for tuning access while the frame remains in place to maintain visual continuity. The frame acts as a permanent visual element that preserves the aesthetic appearance even when the panel is detached, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and shape.
4Productivity
If the entire upper front panel assembly is removed, then complete access is achieved, but time and effort are wasted
Solution Approach 1:
The segmentation of the assembly into frame and panel portions enables selective removal of only the necessary panel component. This eliminates the time-wasting step of removing the entire assembly, as the frame remains attached and in place. The panel can be quickly detached and reattached without disturbing the frame structure, significantly improving tuning efficiency and reducing time loss.
Data Source
AI summary
An upright piano includes a piano case having an upper front panel, a left side panel, a right side panel, and a top lid. The upper front panel is pivotally mounted below and generally abutting the top lid. A keyboard is supported by the piano case and has a plurality of keys. A keyboard lid has a width substantially equal to a width of the upper front panel. The piano includes left and right upper front panel strips disposed on the corresponding left and right side panels. The upper front panel is pivotally attached to the left and right upper front panel strips to rotate between a closed position and an open position. The upper front panel is substantially parallel to and substantially in between the left and right upper front panel strips while in the closed position.