Piano Keybed Leveling via Threaded Rod Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing construction of keyboard instruments, particularly pianos, faces challenges in maintaining a level keybed due to deformation caused by temperature and humidity fluctuations, requiring tedious compensation processes during manufacturing.
Innovation Solution
A groove is incorporated in the keybed, parallel to an imaginary line between the supporting elements and perpendicular to the keys, housing a threaded rod that is prestressed using nuts to adjust and compensate for sagging, ensuring a level playing surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the keybed is made from particleboard or blockboard to reduce cost and improve ease of manufacture, then the manufacturing cost and ease of processing are improved, but the keybed deforms under gravity and environmental conditions requiring tedious compensation processes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-adjusting the keybed levelness during the manufacturing process using adjustable supporting elements before the piano is delivered to the customer. The supporting elements include adjustment mechanisms that allow the keybed to be leveled in advance, eliminating the need for customers to perform complex compensation procedures later. This resolves the contradiction by maintaining ease of manufacture with particleboard while achieving manufacturing precision through pre-adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If the keybed span width is increased to 1,500 mm to provide appropriate leg room for the piano player, then the comfort and usability are improved, but the deformation under gravity increases to 2-4 mm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the supporting elements of the keybed adjustable rather than fixed. The supporting elements can be modified in position and height to compensate for the 2-4 mm deformation that occurs over the 1,500 mm span. This allows the wide keybed to maintain its intended shape and levelness despite the inherent deformation, resolving the contradiction between providing adequate leg room and maintaining keybed shape.
3Adaptability or versatility
If environmental temperature and humidity fluctuations are present in spring and autumn, then the natural environmental conditions are maintained, but the keybed deformation increases compared to summer and winter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing levelness adjustment of the keybed during manufacturing under controlled environmental conditions, and incorporating adjustable supporting elements that can compensate for seasonal variations. The adjustment mechanisms are designed to account for the increased deformation that occurs in spring and autumn, allowing the keybed to maintain precision despite environmental fluctuations throughout the year.
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 allows for precise adjustment of the keybed during manufacturing, eliminating the need for extensive compensation processes, reducing construction time, and ensuring a level keyboard that enhances playing precision and tone quality.
Implementation Method 1
a threaded rod is positioned in the groove and prestresses the keybed by means of nuts that are arranged in the keybed and surround the threaded rod
Implementation Method 2
The force of gravity already leads to a certain deformation of the material of the particleboard, blockboard, or laminboard
Data Source
AI summary
A keyboard instrument, in particular a piano, has a keyboard (11) with a multiplicity of keys (12) and also at least two supporting elements (21, 22) for supporting the keyboard (11). A panel-form keybed (10) made of a wood material forms a console, and therefore a rest for the keyboard (11). It is Borne by the at least two supporting elements (21, 22). A groove (33) is provided in the keybed (10). The groove (33) in the keybed (10) is provided parallel to an imaginary connecting line (23) between the two supporting elements (21, 22) and perpendicularly to the keys (12). The groove (33) is arranged on the underside (31) of the keybed (10). A threaded rod (41) is positioned in the groove (33). The keybed (10) can be prestressed by means of the nuts (37, 38) which are arranged in the keybed (10) and surround the threaded rod (41).