Slidable Wind Instrument Brace for Timbre Variability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional wind instruments, such as trumpets, are limited to producing a single timbre due to the fixed position of their braces, which are welded to the tuning slides and resonators, restricting the instrument's tonal variability.

Innovation Solution

A slidable wind instrument brace comprising an adjusting ring, first and second abutting blocks, allows for adjustable positioning by rotating the adjusting ring to move the abutting blocks along the resonator and tuning slide, enabling secure placement and easy adjustment of the brace for varying timbres.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the brace is welded to the tuning slide and resonator, then the structure is stable and secure, but the position of the brace becomes unchangeable, limiting timbre variation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidtimbre variability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The brace is transformed from a fixed welded structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The adjusting ring with threaded rod allows the abutting blocks to move along the resonator tube, enabling the brace position to be changed while maintaining secure attachment through threading mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The brace is divided into multiple components: adjusting ring, abutting blocks, threaded rod, and connecting segments. This segmentation allows independent adjustment of the brace position while maintaining structural integrity through the threaded connection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the brace position is made adjustable, then different timbres can be produced, but the device complexity increases with additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetimbre variabilityVSAvoidbrace structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjusting ring serves multiple functions: it acts as a positioning mechanism, a fastening device, and an adjustment control. The threaded rod provides both structural support and adjustment capability, reducing the need for separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The adjusting ring integrates the positioning and fastening functions into a single component. The abutting blocks combine the structural connection with the adjustment capability, merging multiple functions into fewer parts to reduce overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8278540B1Slidable wind instrument brace

Publication Date: 2012.10.02 K H S MUSICAL INSTR CO LTD

AI summary

A slidable wind instrument brace has an adjusting ring, a first abutting block and a second abutting block. The first abutting block and the second abutting block are respectively mounted on two ends of the adjusting ring. The adjusting ring is rotated to drive the first abutting block and the second abutting block to move close to or away from each other. Therefore, a position of the brace is changeable and a wind instrument with the brace can produce different timbres.