Stabilized Wood Frog for Stringed Instrument Bow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current bows for stringed musical instruments lack predictability and control in sound production due to unpredictable acoustic properties of their materials, particularly in the frog section, which affects the quality and beauty of the music produced.
Innovation Solution
A frog for a stringed musical instrument bow made from stabilized wood, which transmits sound at least 10% faster than unstabilized wood, achieved through a process of infusing wooden blocks with resins to create a hybrid material that enhances sound velocity and quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If traditional wood is used in the frog section, then the bow is easier to manufacture, but the sound transmission speed and acoustic predictability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by infusing wood with resin to create a stabilized hybrid material. This composite structure combines the acoustic properties of wood with the stabilizing effects of resin, achieving enhanced sound transmission speed while maintaining manufacturability through a controlled infusion process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical and chemical parameters of the wood by infusing it with resin. This stabilization process modifies the density, moisture content, and molecular structure of the wood, resulting in improved sound transmission speed and acoustic predictability without completely changing the manufacturing approach.
2Reliability
If stabilized wood is used in the frog section, then the acoustic predictability and sound quality are improved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilization process creates a composite material where resin is infused into the wood structure. This composite provides predictable acoustic properties by reducing the variability inherent in natural wood, while the infusion process itself is a controlled manufacturing technique that manages the added complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
By changing the physical and chemical parameters of the wood through resin infusion, the patent achieves consistent and predictable acoustic properties. The stabilization process controls moisture content, density, and molecular alignment, resulting in reliable sound transmission characteristics.
3Speed
If resin infusion process is applied to wood, then the sound transmission speed increases by at least 10%, but the manufacturing time and process steps increase
Solution Approach 1:
The resin infusion process creates a composite material that inherently increases sound transmission speed by at least 10%. The resin fills pores and stabilizes the wood structure, creating a more efficient medium for sound wave propagation, though this comes with additional manufacturing steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilization process is performed in advance during manufacturing, preparing the wood for optimal acoustic performance before the bow is assembled and used. This preliminary action ensures that the sound transmission properties are established during production rather than requiring later 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
The use of stabilized wood in the frog section improves sound transmission speed and quality, resulting in an audibly detectable enhancement of musical sound production, making it a non-obvious breakthrough in bow construction.
Implementation Method 1
transmits sound through it at a speed at least about ten percent faster than the speed of sound transmits through such wood without stabilization
Data Source
AI summary
A frog, and a bow with a frog, for stringed musical instruments is disclosed. The frog is made with a body from stabilized wood. The speed of sound through the frog body is enhanced resulting in more beautiful music.