Piccolo Conical Body Tone Hole Scheme for Low C Intonation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies fail to produce a conical piccolo extending to low c (c1) with correct tuning, even tone, and responsive performance, as existing methods lack reliable mathematical calculations for hole-setting schemes, leading to instruments with poor intonation and response in the third octave.
Innovation Solution
A redesigned conical piccolo with a cylindrical headjoint, adjustable seal, and a new hole-setting scheme featuring a single c2 tone hole extending to low c (c1), ensuring even sound across all registers and optimal playability, using dimensions and tolerances that allow for precise adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the piccolo body is extended to low c (c1) using conventional hole-setting schemes, then the range is extended, but the intonation and response in the third octave deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by modifying the hole-setting scheme parameters (hole positions, diameters, and spacing) specifically for the extended range. The new scheme features a single c2 tone hole positioned at a specific distance from the embouchure, with precisely calculated dimensions that differ from conventional schemes, enabling accurate intonation and response across the extended range down to c1.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates dynamics by making the piccolo body detachable and adjustable. The body can be removed and replaced, allowing the instrument to be adjusted between different hole-setting schemes. This dynamic configuration enables the piccolo to maintain optimal performance characteristics across its extended range while preserving the ability to adapt to different playing requirements.
2Shape
If empirical methods are used to determine tone hole positions, then the timbre can be matched, but the manufacturing precision and consistency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating and pre-determining the optimal hole-setting scheme parameters through mathematical calculations before manufacturing. The hole positions, diameters, and spacing are precisely specified in advance based on acoustic principles, eliminating the need for empirical trial-and-error during production and ensuring consistent manufacturing precision across all instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the empirical mechanical trial-and-error method with mathematical calculations and acoustic theory. Instead of relying on physical experimentation to determine hole positions and dimensions, the invention uses calculated parameters derived from acoustic principles, substituting mathematical analysis for mechanical experimentation and achieving both timbre accuracy and manufacturing consistency.
3Shape
If the piccolo is made shorter to maintain conical geometry, then the high register timbre is improved, but the low register response deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different geometric characteristics in different sections of the piccolo. The headjoint maintains the traditional conical geometry for optimal high register timbre, while the body section uses a cylindrical geometry with precisely calculated hole positions to ensure accurate low register response and intonation. This localized differentiation of geometric properties allows the instrument to excel in both registers simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A piccolo includes a cylindrical headjoint with an embouchure, a stopper including an adjustable seal disposed in a free end of the cylindrical headjoint, and a conical body having tone holes. The tone holes include a single tone hole corresponding to c2 and an end tone hole at a free end of the conical body. The end tone hole is lower than the note d1 and extends at least to the note c1.