Adjusting Member for Sound Post Length and Timbre Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for adjusting the length and position of sound posts in string instruments are time-consuming, labor-intensive, and require complex external tools, making it difficult to achieve precise adjustments, especially when changes in timbre require adjustments to the sound post's tightness.

Innovation Solution

An adjusting member with a main body and rod-shaped adjusting arms that can be pivoted on a sound post, comprising a first and second post with hollow threads and fit parts, allowing for intuitive rotation to adjust the sound post's length and tightness without the need for external tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual cutting and gradual installation of sound post is used, then the sound post can be fitted to the curved top board and bottom board, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting precision of sound postVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sound post is pre-cut with curved ends matching the curvature of the top board and bottom board before installation. This preliminary shaping allows the sound post to be directly inserted into the f-hole and positioned correctly without requiring time-consuming manual cutting and adjustment during the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces the traditional manual cutting and gradual adjustment mechanical process with a pre-formed sound post design that can be directly installed. The curved ends are pre-shaped to match the sound box curvature, eliminating the need for iterative mechanical cutting and fitting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If external tools are used to adjust sound post length and position, then precise adjustment can be achieved, but the tool structure becomes complicated and operational difficulty increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidtool structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sound post incorporates an integrated adjustment mechanism with a threaded rod and rotating element that allows the user to directly adjust the length and position of the sound post by hand. The adjustment mechanism is built into the sound post itself, eliminating the need for separate external adjustment tools and reducing operational complexity while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the adjustment function into the sound post structure itself by integrating a threaded rod mechanism within the sound post. This allows the adjustment functionality to be combined with the sound post body, eliminating the need for separate external adjustment tools and simplifying the overall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If the sound post tightness needs to be adjusted to change timbre, then sound quality can be optimized, but without a professional adjustment tool it causes inconvenience

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound quality stabilityVSAvoidadjustment convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sound post includes a built-in threaded adjustment mechanism that allows the user to directly rotate and adjust the tightness of the sound post against the top board and bottom board. This self-contained adjustment system enables musicians to optimize sound quality and timbre by hand-adjusting the sound post position without requiring external tools or professional assistance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sound post design incorporates a dynamic adjustment capability through the threaded rod mechanism, allowing the tightness and position of the sound post to be continuously varied during instrument use. This enables real-time optimization of sound quality and timbre by adjusting the sound post's contact pressure with the sound box boards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables easy and precise adjustment of sound post length and tightness, simplifying the installation process and allowing for real-time adjustments to timbre and resonance, enhancing the operational efficiency and sound quality of string instruments.

Implementation Method 1

The first post is provided with a first hollow thread and a first fit part. The screw post is pivoted on the first hollow thread. The second post is provided with a second hollow thread and a second fit part, and the second hollow thread is pivoted to the screw post.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew thread mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentUS10475421B1Adjusting member and sound post applied thereto
Publication Date: 2019.11.12 GLOBALBELL GRP STRING CONSULTANT CO LTD
  • US10475421B1 patent drawing
  • US10475421B1 patent drawing
  • US10475421B1 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjusting member is pivoted on a sound post to adjust a length of the sound post from the outside of the sound box of a musical instrument. The adjusting member comprises a main body and at least one adjusting arm arranged on the main body. Through the sound post provided with the adjusting member, a user can easily adjust the tightness of the sound post against the upper and lower plates of the sound box through a hole of the sound box, such as F sound hole, connected with the outside to achieve the effect of adjusting timbre of the musical instrument.