Soss Link Hinge for Travel String Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stringed musical instruments, such as guitars and violins, face challenges in mechanical stability and ease of transport due to their bulky design, and previous hinge designs for folding necks are impractical, requiring complex installation and lacking sufficient clearance and structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
A string instrument design featuring a neck extension and base with integrated Soss link assemblies and hinge butts, allowing for a double hinge mechanism with improved installation methods, including vertical pocket cutting and center mounting screws, providing greater structural support and ease of assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a folding neck design is implemented to improve transportability, then the instrument becomes more portable, but the mechanical stability and structural integrity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The neck is divided into two separate segments (neck extension and neck base) that can be folded relative to each other through the hinge mechanism, enabling compact transport while maintaining structural integrity when assembled
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism and mounting structures are pre-installed and precisely positioned during manufacturing, allowing the folding action to occur smoothly without compromising mechanical stability during use
2Ease of operation
If traditional hinge designs are used for folding necks, then the instrument can be folded for transport, but the installation becomes complex and structural integrity is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge mechanism is integrated directly into the neck extension and neck base structures, combining the folding function with the structural components themselves rather than adding separate complex hinge assemblies
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge acts as an intermediary element that provides the folding mechanism while being简单地 mounted between the neck extension and neck base, simplifying the overall installation process
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional hinge mounting methods are used, then the hinge can be installed, but sufficient clearance and structural support are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge butts are positioned at specific locations on the neck extension and neck base where structural support is most effective, and the mounting screw holes are strategically placed to optimize both clearance and structural strength
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism utilizes vertical pocket cutting and multi-dimensional positioning to achieve proper clearance and structural support, moving beyond simple surface mounting to embedded installation within the neck structures
Data Source
AI summary
The inventive hinge includes a first hinge butt defining a pair of first and second races for receiving a first Soss sliding hinge pin. A second hinge butt defines a pair of third and fourth races for receiving a second Soss sliding hinge pin. The first hinge butt includes a first screw hole and the second hinge butt includes a second screw hole. A first Soss link assembly is mounted between and in the first and third races. A second Soss link assembly is mounted between and in the second and fourth races, the second Soss link assembly being positioned adjacent and spaced apart from, as well as extending in the same direction as the first Soss link assembly.