Quick Release Pickup Mount for Stringed Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stringed musical instruments require complex and risky procedures for removing and replacing pickups, which can damage the instrument and necessitate the removal of strings and front body components.
Innovation Solution
A body construction for stringed instruments that allows for the simple and rapid removal and replacement of pickups through the back of the instrument without tools, maintaining the integrity of the front body and strings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional pickup mounting methods are used, then pickups can be securely mounted, but removal and replacement requires complex procedures involving multiple screws, back cover removal, and string loosening
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup mounting system is segmented into modular components: a pickup holder, retractable tapered projections, and a pocket structure. This segmentation allows the pickup to be independently removed from the holder while leaving the holder secured in the body, enabling simple pickup replacement without disturbing other instrument components.
Solution Approach 2:
The retractable tapered projections are extracted from the pickup holder and stored within recesses in the holder body. This extraction allows the holder to be inserted into the pocket without the projections interfering, and the projections can be retracted back to secure the holder in place, enabling tool-free pickup installation and removal.
2Reliability
If traditional pickup mounting methods are used, then pickups can be firmly secured, but the front body finish and strings are at risk of damage during removal and replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system separates the pickup securing function (handled by retractable projections in the holder) from the body mounting function (handled by the pocket structure). This segmentation ensures that pickup removal does not require disturbing the front body finish or strings, as the holder remains securely mounted while only the pickup is removed.
Solution Approach 2:
The pickup holder acts as an intermediary component between the pickup and the instrument body. It provides a secure mounting mechanism through retractable tapered projections while isolating the pickup removal process from the front body and strings, eliminating the risk of damage to these critical components.
3Stability of the object's composition
If pickups are mounted in pockets that do not completely pierce the front body, then the front body structure is maintained, but fasteners must be removed with precision and strings often need to be loosened
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable tapered projections are taken out from the holder body and retracted into recesses, allowing the holder to be freely inserted and removed from the pocket. This extraction mechanism enables the holder to be quickly installed and removed without requiring precise fastener manipulation or string loosening, while the pocket structure maintains front body integrity.
4Ease of operation
If a faceplate assembly is used for pickup mounting, then pickups can be removed through the back, but a rectangular portion of the front body must also be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into three independent components: the pocket structure (maintaining front body integrity), the holder (containing the pickup), and the retractable projections (providing securing mechanism). This segmentation allows the holder with pickup to be removed through the back pocket without requiring removal of any front body portion, unlike the faceplate assembly approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder and pickup assembly is extracted and removed through the back pocket opening, eliminating the need to remove the front faceplate or any rectangular portion of the front body. This extraction approach provides pickup accessibility while preserving the aesthetic and structural integrity of the front body.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved body for a stringed instrument wherein the pickups are extended from a mount that can be removed from and replaced into a pocket in the rear surface of the instrument body without the use of tools. When the pickup mount is fully seated in the pocket in the rear surface of the body of the instrument, the pickups protrude through openings in the front surface of the body or pickguard in their proper location in relationship to the strings. Retractable tapered projections secure the pickup mount in the pocket in the instrument body. Pickups can be changed quickly during live performances. Unlimited combinations of pickups can be explored in order to find the best tones. The beauty of the front of the guitar is preserved while flexibility in sound is gained.