Single-Tool Step Gauge for String Height Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for measuring and setting the height of strings on stringed musical instruments are inefficient and laborious, often requiring multiple gauges and resulting in improper string placement, which can affect pitch and intonation.

Innovation Solution

A single-tool step gauge that includes a nut slot gauge, crown height gauge, and string action gauge, allowing for accurate measurement and setting of string height using integrally-formed graduated length gauges, reducing the complexity and time required for the process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a set of stacked feeler gauges is used to measure string height, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen due to requiring multiple individual gauges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring height measurement accuracyVSAvoidnumber of gauges required

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple individual feeler gauges into a single integrated step gauge tool with multiple graduated edges. This merging approach maintains the measurement precision of stacked gauges while eliminating the complexity of handling multiple separate pieces, allowing the user to select different measurement edges from one unified tool.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The step gauge is designed as a universal tool that can measure string height at multiple locations (nut slots, frets, bridge) and perform multiple functions (measuring, setting, and verifying string action). The single tool replaces the need for multiple specialized gauges, improving ease of operation while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If multiple individual gauges are used for measurement, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to the laborious process of selecting and stacking gauges

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring height measurement accuracyVSAvoidsimplicity of measurement process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging multiple gauge functions into a single tool with multiple graduated edges, the patent eliminates the tedious process of selecting and stacking individual gauges. The user can directly read measurements from the appropriate edge of the single tool, significantly improving ease of operation while preserving measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The step gauge has pre-marked graduated edges at common string height specifications. This preliminary preparation of measurement references eliminates the need for users to manually assemble gauges or calculate heights, allowing them to directly measure and set string action at the desired specifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If traditional measurement methods are used, then measurement capability is achieved, but productivity deteriorates due to the time-consuming nature of taking multiple measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring height measurement capabilityVSAvoidspeed of string setup process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The step gauge serves as a universal measurement tool for all string height measurements throughout the instrument (nut, frets, bridge). This multi-functionality allows the luthier to perform all measurements with one tool, eliminating the need to switch between different gauges and significantly improving productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The pre-marked graduated edges provide immediate reference values for common string heights, allowing the user to quickly verify and adjust measurements without manual calculation or comparison. This preliminary preparation of measurement data accelerates the string setup process while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS10837751B2Step gauge for stringed musical instruments and method of using same

Publication Date: 2020.11.17 HOSCO

AI summary

A single-tool step gauge provides for measuring or setting a preferred or desired height of a string above a surface of a stringed musical instrument, and includes a nut slot gauge, crown height gauge and string action gauge. The nut slot gauge includes a downwardly-extending tab, a first plurality of integrally-formed graduated length gauges that measure a nut slot height, and a first plurality of measurement indications corresponding to the first plurality of graduated length gauges. The crown height gauge includes a pair of feet, a second plurality of integrally-formed graduated length gauges that measure a fret crown height, and a second plurality of measurement indications corresponding to the second plurality of graduated length gauges. The string action gauge includes a base, a third plurality of graduated length gauges that measure a string action, and a third plurality of measurement indications corresponding to the third plurality of graduated length gauges.