Segmented Bridge Pin Anchoring Guitar Strings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional anchoring systems for guitar strings, especially those with large diameters, often result in undesirably small radius bends and improper functioning due to stiffened ends, leading to issues with string contact and sound quality, particularly in instruments with limited space for anchoring components.
Innovation Solution
A bridge pin with spaced-apart legs and angled anchoring surfaces that accommodate the string while retaining the ball end, reducing string bending and providing clearance for the thickened string end, allowing for improved anchoring and tension distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional anchoring system with a ball and retaining wrap is used, then the string can be anchored to the instrument, but the string creates an extra stiff area with a larger diameter that forces the string into an undesirably small radius bend
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge pin is segmented into two spaced-apart legs that form a slot, separating the string retention function from the ball anchoring function. This segmentation allows the string to pass through the slot while the ball is retained by the anchoring surfaces, eliminating the need for the string to bend around the ball and thereby resolving the small radius bend problem while maintaining reliable anchoring.
2Quantity of substance
If the string has a large diameter, then the anchoring ball's retaining wrap creates a longer stiffened area, but this worsens the string's ability to bend properly over the saddle
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the string from the problematic area by having it pass through the slot between the pin legs rather than being wrapped around the ball. This extraction removes the string from the stiffened area created by the retaining wrap, allowing even large diameter strings to bend properly over the saddle while maintaining secure anchoring through the ball-retaining mechanism.
3Area of stationary object
If the components of the bridge are exceptionally small or in close proximity, then space is limited for anchoring components, but the conventional arrangement still creates geometry that forces the string into a small radius bend
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the vertical dimension by having the string pass through the slot between the pin legs rather than bending horizontally around the ball. This dimensional change allows the string to maintain a larger bend radius even when bridge components are small or closely spaced, as the string's path is redirected into the vertical space provided by the slot configuration.
4Reliability
If the large diameter area of the string contacts the saddle, then the string cannot sound properly, but the conventional anchoring arrangement causes this contact
Solution Approach 1:
The slot between the pin legs acts as an intermediary that guides the string away from the saddle area. By providing this intermediate pathway, the string can be retained securely by the anchoring surfaces while its vibration path is cleared from contact with the saddle, eliminating the harmful interference that would otherwise prevent proper sounding.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for anchoring a guitar string comprising a guitar top, a bridge fixed to the guitar top, and at least one aperture extending through the bridge and top for receiving an end of a string with a ball attached thereto. A bridge pin has a body that is insertable into the aperture. The body has two spaced-apart legs forming a space therebetween wide enough to accommodate the string but not the ball. A rear side of the legs has matching anchoring surfaces that are constructed and arranged to receive and retain the ball when the string is in tension.