String Locking Tailpiece for Fixed Bridge Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

The process of replacing and tuning strings on stringed instruments is cumbersome and time-consuming, causing hand/wrist fatigue and instability due to high winding ratios and the inability of conventional tailpieces to securely lock the free end of the string, leading to unsatisfactory delays during performances.

Innovation Solution

A tailpiece with an elongate bar, aperture, and set screw that securely mounts and tunes strings by threading the free end through a peg aperture and tightening it against the tailpiece aperture, eliminating the need for excessive winding and ensuring stable tuning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional tailpieces are used that only secure the ball end of the string, then the string mounting process is simple, but the string tuning stability is poor and the free end of the string is not securely locked

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring tuning stabilityVSAvoidtailpiece structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The tailpiece is divided into functional segments: the elongate bar for string routing, the aperture for guiding the string, and the set screw mechanism for securing the free end. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, providing secure locking without excessive complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The set screw acts as an intermediary element between the tailpiece body and the string free end. It provides the locking function by impinging against the string, converting the simple structure into an effective securing mechanism without requiring complex tailpiece redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If high winding ratio tuning gears (20:1) are used, then the string can be secured with only 3 wraps around the post, but this causes hand/wrist fatigue due to 60 full tuning gear revolutions required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring winding easeVSAvoidtime for hand/wrist fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the winding function from the tuning stability requirement. Instead of relying on multiple wraps around the tuning post (which causes fatigue), the free end is routed through the tailpiece aperture and secured by the set screw, eliminating the need for excessive winding while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of securing the string by winding it multiple times around the tuning post (conventional method), the invention inverts the approach by securing the free end at the tailpiece end of the string, opposite to where conventional tailpieces only secure the ball end. This reversal eliminates the fatigue-inducing multiple revolutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If multiple string wraps around the tuning post are required for stable tuning, then tuning stability is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and causes hand/wrist fatigue

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning stabilityVSAvoidstring replacement speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the stability-securing function from the multiple-wrapping process and relocates it to the tailpiece aperture and set screw mechanism. This allows string replacement to be completed quickly without multiple wraps, while the set screw provides the necessary securing action for stable tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The set screw is pre-positioned in the tailpiece, ready to secure the string free end immediately when threaded through the aperture. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for multiple wrapping actions during string replacement, speeding up the process while ensuring stable tuning from the outset.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of manufacture

If conventional stringing methods are used with ball end only secured in the tailpiece, then the stringing process is straightforward, but string replacement during performance causes delays

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestringing process simplicityVSAvoidstring replacement delay

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the functions of string guidance (aperture) and string securing (set screw) into a single integrated tailpiece structure. This combination allows the string free end to be quickly routed through the aperture and secured by the set screw, enabling rapid string replacement during performance without complicating the overall stringing process.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The set screw serves as an intermediary that quickly secures the string free end in the tailpiece aperture. This intermediary mechanism enables rapid string replacement by providing a simple tightening action that replaces the time-consuming conventional method of relying solely on ball end securing and multiple wraps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9990907B2String locking tailpiece for fixed bridge musical instruments

Publication Date: 2018.06.05 STEADFAST DESIGNS INC

AI summary

A string-locking tailpiece for fixed bridge musical instrument which allows for quick string changes. The device eliminates the conventional 3 wraps around the tuning peg. Tuning is stable because the ball end cannot slip thru the tuning peg hole. As well, it also drastically reduces the time necessary for restringing. The tailpiece receives a free end of the string after it has been strung through the tuning pegs and is clamped by a set screw within the tailpiece.