Ratcheted Mounting Bracket for String Instrument Tuners
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tuners for string instruments are bulky, aesthetically poor, and difficult to attach to instruments with small headstocks, requiring frequent attachment and detachment that can damage the instrument and are not easily hidden from view during use.
Innovation Solution
A ratcheted mounting bracket with a primary arm, spring arm, and clamping mechanism that securely attaches a contact tuner to the headstock, allowing for easy installation and concealment, using a ratchet engagement system to maintain constant pressure and prevent scratching, with a pivotable tuner attachment for optimal visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional tuner is attached to the headstock, then the tuner can be used for tuning the instrument, but the tuner is bulky and visible from the audience view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the tuner from the traditional front-facing location to the back of the headstock, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to hide the tuner from audience view while maintaining full functionality. The mounting bracket extends around the headstock contour to secure the tuner in this concealed position.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional tuner is frequently attached and detached, then the tuner can be removed when not in use, but this causes damage to the instrument finish
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates soft contact surfaces and a gradual clamping action that cushions the headstock finish during attachment and removal. The spring-loaded mechanism applies pressure progressively, preventing sudden impacts or scratching that would occur with rigid mounting systems.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional tuner is attached to a small headstock, then the tuner can be mounted, but the attachment is difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with a compact profile that concentrates mounting functions in a small localized area of the headstock. The bracket wraps around the headstock contour to utilize available space efficiently, with adjustment mechanisms that require minimal clearance for operation.
4Device complexity
If a simple mounting bracket is used, then the component count is low, but the bracket cannot maintain constant pressure on the headstock
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mounting bracket uses the elastic deformation of the spring arm itself to generate and maintain constant clamping pressure on the headstock. As the spring arm deflects during attachment, it stores elastic energy that continuously pushes the clamping surface against the headstock, compensating for any settling or thermal expansion without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.
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
The solution provides a compact, aesthetically pleasing, and secure mounting system for tuners on various headstock shapes and sizes, minimizing visibility and preventing damage to the instrument while allowing easy tuner rotation and removal.
Implementation Method 1
A spring arm is engaged with the primary arm. The spring arm has a clamping arm extending therefrom. When a headstock is placed between the clamping arm and the plate and the clamping arm is pushed toward the plate, the headstock is trapped between the clamping arm and plate with a substantially constant pressure
Implementation Method 2
The ratchet engagement is configured such that when a headstock is placed between the clamping arm and the plate and the clamping arm is pushed toward the plate with the post advancing along the ratchet to a clamping position
Data Source
AI summary
A bracket for mounting a tuning device on a headstock of a string instrument and a bracket-mountable tuning device are disclosed. A primary arm with a plate attaches to a spring arm with a clamping arm by a releasable ratchet engagement. The clamping arm is reciprocable to the plate. A tuner attaches in a rotatable engagement to the plate opposite a mounting surface. An instrument headstock can be positioned between the plate mounting surface and clamping arm and the clamping arm moved toward the plate to a clamping position with the headstock trapped therebetween with substantially constant pressure on the headstock. The tuner is substantially hidden from the front view of the headstock. The clamping arm is maintained in the clamping position by the ratchet engagement until the ratchet engagement is released.