Pivot Bridge Plate for Stringed Instruments with Individual Tuning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivot or bridge plates for stringed musical instruments apply the same pivoting movement to all strings, which is not satisfactory for achieving consistent pitch changes or fractional tone adjustments, as each string requires customized tuning.
Innovation Solution
A pivot or bridge plate assembly that includes a base plate with cylinder apertures, string holes, and tuning stops, allowing for individual string tuning through a string saddle and adjustable roller bridge, enabling customized pitch adjustments by raising or lowering the string saddle via a set screw, and utilizing tension and compression springs for consistent return to neutral position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single pivot or bridge plate is used for all strings, then the device structure is simple, but each string cannot receive customized pivoting movement for individual tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the bridge plate into multiple independent pivot plates, each corresponding to a specific string. Each pivot plate can be independently adjusted to customize the pivoting movement for each string, enabling individual tuning while maintaining a modular structure that doesn't excessively increase complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adjustable mechanisms that allow the pivoting angle and movement of each pivot plate to be dynamically modified. This enables each string to receive customized pivoting movement according to specific tuning requirements, transforming a static single-plate structure into a dynamic multi-plate system with adjustable parameters.
2Measurement precision
If a lever arm device is used to pivot the bridge plate, then the strings can be slackened or tautened, but all strings receive the same pivoting movement which is not satisfactory for consistent pitch changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the single lever arm mechanism into multiple individual adjustment mechanisms, each controlling a specific pivot plate. This allows precise control over the pivoting movement of each string independently, ensuring consistent pitch changes across all strings while maintaining manageable operational complexity through standardized adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual pivot plates are used for each string to enable customized tuning, then each string can receive customized pivoting movement, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the pivot plates and their adjustment mechanisms to be universal and interchangeable across different strings. Each pivot plate serves multiple functions: supporting the string, enabling pivoting movement, and providing adjustment capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining individual adjustment capability.
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
Enables consistent and fractional changes in pitch for each string, providing customized tuning and improving the overall sound quality by allowing independent manipulation of string tension.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring that is connected to the pivot plate and that biases the pivot plate toward the neutral position
Implementation Method 2
a compression spring that is connected to the pivot plate and that biases the pivot plate toward the neutral position
Implementation Method 3
enabling customized pitch adjustments by raising or lowering the string saddle via a set screw
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an improved pivot or bridge plate that may be constructed originally or may be used to retrofit existing stringed instruments.