String Tensioner With Pivoting Saddle For Musical Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stringed musical instruments face challenges in maintaining consistent string tension due to changes in length, temperature, and humidity, leading to tuning issues that can be laborious and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
The development of saddle assemblies that pivot instead of sliding, along with improved constant tension devices that align springs to minimize axial bending, and the use of flexible stops and dampeners to reduce friction and maintain resonance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the string is allowed to slide over the saddle, then the string can accommodate length changes, but friction increases and tuning stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of allowing the string to slide over the saddle (conventional approach), the invention inverts the mechanism by allowing the saddle to pivot relative to the string. This reversal eliminates friction between the string and saddle while still accommodating string length changes through the pivoting motion of the saddle assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle assembly is designed with dynamic pivoting capability, allowing the saddle to rotate about a pivot point as the string length changes. This dynamic adjustment mechanism enables the system to adapt to length variations without creating friction, as the saddle moves with the string rather than resisting its motion.
2Stability of the object's composition
If springs are rotated to accommodate string length changes, then tension can be maintained, but out-of-axis bending occurs causing energy losses
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible connector (such as a flexible shaft or universal joint) is introduced as an intermediary element between the spring and the force modulation member. This intermediary allows the spring to rotate and accommodate string length changes while preventing direct transmission of out-of-axis bending forces to the string, thereby reducing frictional energy losses.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid mechanical connection between the spring and force modulation member is replaced with a flexible connection mechanism. This substitution allows rotational movement to be transmitted while blocking the transmission of bending moments, effectively replacing a friction-prone mechanical sliding connection with a more efficient flexible coupling.
3Reliability
If the force modulation member is rotated to maintain constant tension, then tuning stability improves, but the string experiences excessive bending
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible connector serves as an intermediary between the rotating force modulation member and the string. This flexible element absorbs the rotational motion and prevents direct transmission of excessive bending forces to the string, thereby maintaining tuning stability while preserving string integrity.
4Ease of operation
If a rigid stop is used to prevent further rotation of the force modulation member, then rotation control is achieved, but separation and buzzing occur during engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The stop mechanism transitions from a rigid, fixed-position stop to a flexible stop that can deflect. This parameter change in the stop's mechanical properties allows it to engage smoothly with the force modulation member, controlling rotation while accommodating minor position variations and preventing separation that causes buzzing.
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
These solutions enable the stringed musical instruments to maintain near-constant tension and reduce friction, resulting in improved tuning stability and convenience, with minimal audible changes in pitch during string length adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
the saddle pivots as the string changes length
Implementation Method 2
uses one or more springs to maintain a near-constant tension on a musical string
Implementation Method 3
The lever arm upon which spring force is applied to the force modulation member correspondingly changes
Implementation Method 4
structure providing a rotation stop that stops further rotation of the force modulation member, but is flexible, and avoids possible separation (and consequential buzzing) during engagement of the stop
Implementation Method 5
A retainer member can be attached to one of the saddle body and the base
Implementation Method 6
structure for preserving resonance in the sounding portion of the musical string by reducing movement of the force modulation member during such resonance
Data Source
AI summary
A string tensioner can be configured to apply a substantially constant tension to a string over an operational range even if such string stretches and contracts over time. Tension is provided by a spring. Flexers can attach the spring to a force modulation member and a frame. The flexers preferentially bend out-of-axis so that the spring does not bend out-of-axis when the force modulation member rotates. A flexible stop can prevent rotation of the force modulation member beyond a desired point, but flexes to remain in contact with the force modulation member over a small range of movement. A saddle assembly can have a pivoting saddle body that allows a string to change in length without having to slide over the saddle body. The saddle body can be configured to stay in place even if the string breaks or is otherwise removed.