String Support Device for Musical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional string support mechanisms for stringed musical instruments are not fixed to the instrument, leading to potential damage during string removal and reinstallation, and allow movement that negatively affects musical sustain and tonal performance.
Innovation Solution
A string support device with mounting posts and a string support member, featuring fixing devices such as threaded nuts and set screws, that securely attach the support member to the instrument in multiple directions, preventing movement and ensuring stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the string support mechanism is held in place by string tension only, then the device is simple and allows easy string changes, but the device becomes disengaged and may cause damage when strings are removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is divided into separate components: a fixing element integrated into the string support mechanism and a corresponding fixing feature on the mounting post. This segmentation allows the mechanism to be easily assembled and disassembled for string changes while maintaining secure attachment during use, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element acts as an intermediary between the string support mechanism and the mounting post. It provides a positive mechanical connection that prevents disengagement without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms, thereby maintaining stability while preserving ease of string changes through simple removal and reinstallation of the fixing element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the string support mechanism is not fixed to the instrument, then the device allows movement and adjustment, but the mechanism causes damage to the instrument and itself during string removal and reinstallation
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed to prevent harmful movement before it can cause damage. By providing a positive mechanical stop at the mounting post, the fixing element counteracts the natural movement tendency of the string support mechanism, thereby preventing damage to both the instrument and mechanism during string removal and reinstallation operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element serves as an intermediary that controls the interaction between the movable string support mechanism and the fixed mounting post. It allows necessary adjustment movement while blocking excessive movement that would cause damage, thus protecting the instrument and mechanism from harmful effects.
3Ease of manufacture
If the string support mechanism is held loosely on mounting posts, then the device is simple to manufacture and install, but the mechanism is not fixed and allows movement that negatively affects musical sustain and tonal performance
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing device is segmented into simple, easily manufactured components that can be quickly assembled during installation. The fixing element and corresponding mounting post feature are designed for straightforward manufacturing processes, maintaining ease of manufacture while providing the necessary fixation to improve musical sustain and tonal performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element acts as a simple intermediary component that provides effective fixation without complicating the overall structure. It achieves reliable attachment to improve musical performance while remaining simple in design and easy to manufacture, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides string support devices for string musical instruments, and in particular locking string support devices and methods of locking string support devices for string musical instruments. In some embodiments the locking string support devices and related methods include a string support member fixed to mounting posts that are coupled to a body of a string musical instrument. In some embodiments the string support devices and related methods include a fixing device that fixes the string support member to each of a plurality of mounting posts. In some embodiments the string support member is fixed to the musical instrument in at least one direction via the mounting posts, such as about a first direction that extends along the length of the musical instrument and/or about a second direction that extends through the of the musical instrument.