Noninvasive Pickup Mounting with Radial and Linear Adjustment Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for adjustably mounting pickups in stringed instruments are invasive, require custom configurations, and often limit tonal options due to fixed attachment, lack radial adjustment, and complicate positional tension adjustments, making them incompatible with conventional instruments and pickups.
Innovation Solution
A system of multiple tracks and tracks with predetermined modes of freedom, allowing pickups to be adjustable linearly and radially, with setscrews for tension adjustment, integrated into a pickguard or mounting ring, providing a universal-fit solution that maintains instrument integrity and compatibility with standard pickups.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a pickup is fixedly attached linearly and radially in a stringed instrument, then the attachment is stable and simple, but the tonal options and positional adjustability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup attachment mechanism transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic adjustable position. The pickup can be moved linearly along the string and radially toward or away from the string, allowing the player to optimize tonal characteristics by adjusting the pickup's position relative to the vibrating string.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment mechanism is divided into independent linear and radial adjustment components. The linear adjustment allows movement along the string length, while the radial adjustment allows movement toward or away from the string, enabling independent optimization of both positional parameters for tonal control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a track-and-carriage mechanism is used for pickup adjustment, then linear and radial adjustability is achieved, but the vertical size and complexity of the mechanism increase substantially
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the adjustment functionality from a bulky track-and-carriage mechanism and integrates it directly into the pickup body. The pickup itself becomes the adjusting element, eliminating the need for a separate carriage assembly and reducing the overall vertical size of the mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the pickup structure. The pickup body incorporates the linear and radial adjustment features, combining what were previously separate components (pickup and adjustment mechanism) into a single integrated unit, thereby reducing overall size and complexity.
3Ease of operation
If a slot-and-screw method is used for pickup adjustment, then linear adjustability is achieved, but the positional tension varies with vertical position and requires precise fastener tensioning
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup adjustment mechanism is designed to be self-regulating. As the pickup is moved to different positions, the tensioning mechanism automatically adjusts to maintain optimal contact pressure without requiring precise pre-tensioning of fasteners. The system self-adjusts to compensate for position changes.
Solution Approach 2:
The tensioning mechanism allows dynamic adjustment of the contact pressure parameter as the pickup position changes. Rather than maintaining a fixed tension, the system adapts the tension parameter to suit different vertical positions, eliminating the need for precise initial fastener tensioning.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional pickup attachment methods are used, then instrument integrity is maintained, but tonal customization and pickup repositioning are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup attachment transitions from a static conventional method to a dynamic adjustable system. The pickup can be repositioned linearly and radially while maintaining secure attachment, allowing tonal customization without compromising instrument integrity or requiring invasive modifications.
Data Source
AI summary
A mounting device configurable to hold a plurality of pickups in a stringed instrument noninvasively and with minimal vibration. Provided is a means of readily repositioning the pickups vertically, linearly, and radially, resulting in an abundance of immediate tonal options. Further provided is a means of readily adjusting a positional tension to achieve a preferred friction for slanting, sliding, or securing each pickup into position.