Self-Leveling Woodwind Pad Assembly for Even Tone Hole Sealing

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional saxophone pads require labor-intensive and time-consuming installation processes to achieve proper sealing, leading to uneven pressure on tone holes and potential leaks, which affect instrument performance.

Innovation Solution

A self-leveling pad assembly for saxophones featuring a gimbal support member and socket member that allows for easy installation and maintains even pressure on tone holes, eliminating the need for traditional padding and adhesive application.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional padding method is used to install pads, then proper seal can be achieved, but installation process is labor-intensive and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal qualityVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The pad is pre-positioned in the pad cup at the correct height and orientation before the adhesive is applied. The groove in the pad cup guides the pad into the proper position, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual leveling during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A groove is introduced as an intermediary structure in the pad cup that guides and positions the pad during installation. This groove acts as a mediator between the pad and pad cup, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional pads are used with varying thicknesses, then different pad cup depths can be accommodated, but expensive and unnecessary inventories of pads with varying thicknesses are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad cup depth compatibilityVSAvoidinventory complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of changing pad thickness parameters to accommodate different pad cup depths, the invention modifies the pad cup geometry by adding a groove at a specific depth. This parameter change in the pad cup design allows a single pad thickness to work across multiple pad cup depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The groove design in the pad cup serves multiple functions: it guides pad installation, positions the pad at the correct height, and accommodates pads of standard thickness across different pad cup depths. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized pads for different cup depths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If pads are manually leveled during installation, then proper seal can be achieved, but specialized tools and technical experience are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepad levelnessVSAvoidinstallation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pad is pre-positioned in the pad cup at the correct height and orientation before the adhesive is applied. The groove in the pad cup guides the pad into the proper position, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual leveling during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A groove is introduced as an intermediary structure in the pad cup that guides and positions the pad during installation. This groove acts as a mediator between the pad and pad cup, ensuring proper alignment without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 self-leveling pad assembly ensures consistent tone hole sealing, reduces installation time, and eliminates the need for extensive pad inventories, enhancing instrument performance and durability.

Implementation Method 1

The assemblies described herein are self-leveling when properly installed within pad cups eliminating or substantially reducing application of uneven pad pressure on tone holes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGimbal mechanism: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentUS20260031069A1Self-leveling pad assembly for woodwind instruments and method of use

Publication Date: 2026.01.29 DORIAN CORP D B A MUSICMEDIC COM

AI summary

Herein described are structures and assemblies used to level tone hole pads in woodwind instruments and methods of using the same. The structures and assemblies are self-leveling and include a gimbal support structure, a socket member, and a tone hole pad. The gimbal support structure attaches to a tone hole cover or cap and comprises a ball, stem and base. The socket member engages a housing positioned within the tone hole pad and the ball engages the socket member. Methods are provided for installation and use of the structures and assemblies.