Sound Post System with Helical Gear Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing sound post systems for stringed instruments are cumbersome and require significant professional expertise to adjust, as even small changes in the sound post's length or position significantly affect the instrument's sound, and current solutions either fail to provide spatial stability or require complex assemblies that can damage the instrument.
Innovation Solution
A sound post system comprising a carbon fiber tube with articulated contact elements and a helical gear mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment and secure fitting within the instrument using a simple, easy-to-use tool that exerts torque forces through radial bores, eliminating the need for complex assemblies and minimizing damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sound post location is changed to optimize sound, then sound quality improves, but the fit between sound post ends and instrument inner sides deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post system incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the sound post to be dynamically repositioned and relengthed. The adjustable support element can be moved along the sound post at different locations, and the length can be modified using a length adjustment mechanism, enabling the system to adapt to different sound optimization requirements while maintaining proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of multiple parameters: the support element location along the sound post, the sound post length itself, and the contact pressure. This allows optimization of sound quality by changing these parameters without compromising the fit, as each parameter can be adjusted separately to achieve both goals.
2Reliability
If the sound post length is adjusted to optimize sound, then sound quality improves, but the fit and contact pressure deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post system incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the sound post to be dynamically repositioned and releNGTHed. The adjustable support element can be moved along the sound post at different locations, and the length can be modified using a length adjustment mechanism, enabling the system to adapt to different sound optimization requirements while maintaining proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables independent adjustment of multiple parameters: the support element location along the sound post, the sound post length itself, and the contact pressure. This allows optimization of sound quality by changing these parameters without compromising the fit, as each parameter can be adjusted separately to achieve both goals.
3Reliability
If traditional adjustment methods are used, then sound optimization can be achieved, but the adjustment time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post system incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the sound post to be dynamically repositioned and releNGTHed. The adjustable support element can be moved along the sound post at different locations, and the length can be modified using a length adjustment mechanism, enabling the system to adapt to different sound optimization requirements while maintaining proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to be self-adjusting with user-friendly mechanisms. The adjustable support element and length adjustment mechanism can be operated directly by the musician using simple tools, eliminating the need for complex professional adjustment procedures and reducing adjustment time significantly.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sound post is made adjustable to allow relocation, then adaptability improves, but spatial stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sound post system incorporates an adjustable mechanism that allows the sound post to be dynamically repositioned and releNGTHed. The adjustable support element can be moved along the sound post at different locations, and the length can be modified using a length adjustment mechanism, enabling the system to adapt to different sound optimization requirements while maintaining proper fit.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes mechanisms that provide feedback for precise positioning. The adjustable support element can be positioned at specific locations along the sound post, and the length adjustment mechanism allows for controlled changes, ensuring that the sound post remains spatially stable at each adjusted position while maintaining adaptability for future adjustments.
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 quick and precise adjustment of the sound post, reducing adjustment time from hours to minutes, allowing musicians with little technical training to achieve optimal sound without damaging the instrument, and offering a wide range of tonal variations through material and design choices.
Implementation Method 1
a helical gear mechanism, allowing for precise adjustment
Implementation Method 2
exerts torque forces through radial bores
Data Source
Figure 1
AI summary
In order to produce a sound post system that is easy to deploy, is position-variable and can be adjusted with little technical outlay even by less technically skilled operators, the invention proposes a sound post system that comprises a sound post (1) and an adjustment tool (2), wherein the sound post comprises a tube (3) that has a contact element (5) hinged to one end of the tube and, at the other end of the tube, a screw mechanism (10, 11) with a support element (12), said screw mechanism being formed by a mating thread (10) on the tube (3) and a threaded component (11) connected to said support element (12), wherein a further hinged contact element (18) is disposed on the side of the support element (12) that faces away from the tube and, by actuating the screw mechanism (10, 11), the distance between said two contact elements (5, 18) can be varied, both the support element (12) and the tube (3) comprising radial holes (13, 16) for the introduction of torque forces, and the adjustment tool (2) comprising a rod (22) for inserting into a radial hole (13, 16), and a handle (20) that is connected to said rod (22).