Rotating Neck Joint for Humidity-Driven String Action Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stringed instruments face challenges in maintaining optimal playability due to changes in action caused by seasonal humidity fluctuations, requiring complex and skilled adjustments to the saddle or neck angle, which are difficult and costly.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable neck joint system for stringed instruments, allowing the neck to rotate relative to the body, enabling precise adjustments to the action height without altering the saddle or detuning strings, using a mortise and tenon sliding dovetail joint with an integrated adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the saddle height is adjusted by grinding or replacing, then the action height is changed, but the process requires skilled luthier work and de-tuning/re-tuning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the neck angle adjustable rather than fixed. The neck joint includes a rotating mechanism that allows the neck to be tilted at different angles relative to the body, enabling dynamic adjustment of the action height. This resolves the contradiction by providing precise action height control through angle adjustment instead of complex saddle work, eliminating the need for skilled luthier intervention and de-tuning procedures.
2Ease of operation
If the bridge saddle is replaced or shimmed, then the string height is adjusted, but the instrument requires de-tuning and re-tuning
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a dynamic neck angle adjustment mechanism, the patent allows action height changes without affecting string tension or tuning. The rotating joint enables the neck to be tilted independently while maintaining the string length and tension, thus eliminating the time-consuming de-tuning and re-tuning process associated with traditional saddle adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the neck joint into movable and fixed components, with the neck heel able to rotate independently within the neck block. This segmentation allows the action height to be adjusted by changing the neck angle while the bridge and saddle remain stationary, preventing any disruption to string tuning and eliminating the need for re-tuning time.
3Manufacturing precision
If the neck angle is changed by luthier intervention, then the action is adjusted, but skilled labor and tools are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service adjustment mechanism where the player can directly adjust the neck angle using a simple rotating joint without requiring skilled luthier intervention. The joint includes a tenon and mortise configuration with a rotating interface that allows the player to tilt the neck to the desired angle and lock it in place, providing precise neck angle adjustment accessible to ordinary users.
4Adaptability or versatility
If seasonal humidity changes occur, then the body swells or shrinks, but the action changes and playability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by providing a dynamically adjustable neck angle mechanism that can compensate for body dimensional changes due to humidity. When the body swells or shrinks with seasonal changes, the player can rotate the neck joint to adjust the neck angle, maintaining the correct action height and ensuring consistent playability despite environmental variations.
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable neck joint for a stringed instrument includes a neck with a heel portion formed as a first half of a rotating joint and a body with a neck block formed as a second half of the rotating joint. The first half of the rotating joint and the second half of the rotating joint may each be configured to connect with the other and movably interface with each other such that the neck is rotatable with respect to the body about an axis located immediately adjacent to and above a position along the neck.