Stringed Instrument Through-Bridge for Adjustable String Tension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stringed instruments are limited by fixed string anchor points, restricting the choice of string lengths and diameters, which hinders the production of desired frequency ranges and player versatility.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of a through-bridge system that translates strings from the front side to the back side of the instrument body, allowing for adjustable anchor points and longer string lengths, enabling the use of longer or shorter strings with varying diameters and tension levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fixed string anchor points are used, then the instrument structure is simple, but the choice of string lengths and diameters is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements adjustable anchor points that can be moved along the instrument body to different positions. This dynamic positioning system allows musicians to change string lengths and tensions according to different playing requirements, transforming the static anchor point system into a dynamic one that adapts to various string configurations and frequency ranges.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument body is divided into multiple sections with discrete anchor point positions along the length of the body. This segmentation allows individual strings to be anchored at different locations, enabling independent adjustment of each string's effective length and tension, thereby providing versatility in string selection while maintaining a structured approach to the anchor point system.
2Adaptability or versatility
If longer strings are used to produce lower notes, then the frequency range is improved, but the instrument size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the third dimension (depth/height of the instrument body) to accommodate longer string paths. By routing strings through the body depth and allowing them to anchor at different positions along the body, the instrument can achieve longer effective string lengths for lower frequencies without proportionally increasing the overall instrument length, thus solving the contradiction between frequency range and instrument size.
Solution Approach 2:
The string path is nested within the instrument body structure, with strings routing through cavities and channels integrated into the body design. This nesting allows the string to traverse a longer path inside the compact body structure, enabling lower frequency production without extending the external dimensions of the instrument.
3Length of stationary object
If shorter string run length is used, then the instrument size is reduced, but the string tension and frequency control is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable anchor points create a dynamic system where the effective string length can be varied even within a compact instrument body. By allowing the anchor points to be repositioned along the body, musicians can adjust string tension and frequency control to match different playing requirements, maintaining versatility despite the reduced overall instrument size.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables changes in critical string parameters (length, tension, anchor position) through the adjustable anchor point system. This allows the instrument to maintain appropriate string tension and frequency control across different string configurations, even with shorter string run lengths, by dynamically adjusting the anchor positions to optimize the string physics for each configuration.
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
This solution allows for a wider range of string options, improved playability, and the ability to produce lower notes without the physical limitations of shorter strings, while also enabling a more compact and lightweight instrument design.
Implementation Method 1
the strings used are affixed to the instruments at anchor points positioned at two or more points such that the string can be taut, thereby able to produce a vibration at a specific frequency when played
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for translating strings of a stringed instruments as well as providing for adjustable tensioning. In embodiments, a stringed instrument, may include an instrument body having a front side and a back side wherein, as with most stringed instruments, the strings are disposed on the front side of the body for playing. Different from conventional stringed instruments though, at least a portion of at least one string may be disposed on the backside of the body as well. Thus, a first set of string anchor points are disposed on front side and a second set of string anchor points are disposed on the back side. That is, the strings are translated form the front side to the back side by passing the one or more translated strings through an aperture in the body called a through-bridge. Further, embodiments may include additional versatility by having adjustable tensioning systems.