Pivot Mechanism With Bendable Supporter For Piano Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional snap-fit structures for pivot mechanisms in acoustic pianos are difficult to mount and detach due to the requirement of applying strong external forces, making the assembly process cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A pivot mechanism design featuring a shaft portion, a bearing that contacts the shaft at multiple points and pivots relative to it, and a supporter that contacts the shaft at a specific point and is bendable in a direction different from the pivot axis, allowing for easier mounting and reduced separation forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a snap-fit structure with bearing width less than shaft diameter is used, then the bearing can be mounted onto the shaft portion, but strong external force is required to separate them making assembly cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The support portion is divided into a bearing and a separate supporter component. The bearing is mounted on the shaft portion while the supporter is attached to the bearing, allowing independent assembly and disassembly of each component rather than requiring forceful separation of an integrated snap-fit structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporter acts as an intermediary component between the bearing and the key assembly. It provides a separate attachment mechanism that facilitates easier mounting and disassembly operations without requiring strong external forces to separate the bearing from the shaft portion.
2Reliability
If the open end of the bearing is made rigid to prevent separation, then secure attachment is achieved, but mounting becomes difficult requiring strong external force
Solution Approach 1:
The supporter is designed with bendability in a specific direction (different from the direction from the pivot axis toward the contact point) to facilitate mounting operations. This dynamic flexibility allows easy insertion while the overall structure maintains secure attachment through the combined bearing-supporter configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporter has different mechanical properties in different directions: it is bendable in one direction (facilitating mounting) while maintaining rigidity in other directions (ensuring secure attachment). This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between ease of mounting and secure attachment.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used in the action mechanism, then the touch feeling is achieved, but the assembling process becomes very complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bearing and supporter are combined in a coordinated configuration where the supporter is attached to the bearing. This merging of functions into a coordinated subsystem reduces assembly complexity compared to completely separate components while maintaining the necessary touch feeling characteristics.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporter serves multiple functions: it facilitates easier mounting and disassembly operations, provides structural support, and contributes to the overall touch feeling characteristics. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, thereby improving assembly productivity.
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
Facilitates easier assembly and disassembly of the pivot mechanism, reducing the complexity and time required for assembling acoustic piano components while maintaining secure attachment.
Implementation Method 1
a supporter secured to the bearing, configured to contact the shaft portion at a third contact, and bendable in a direction different from a direction from the pivot axis toward the third contact
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot mechanism includes: a shaft portion; a bearing configured to contact the shaft portion at a first contact and a second contact and configured to pivot about a pivot axis relative to the shaft portion; and a supporter secured to the bearing, configured to contact the shaft portion at a third contact, and bendable in a direction different from a direction from the pivot axis toward the third contact.