Tune Stabilizing Device for Stringed Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Stringed instruments, particularly electric guitars with tremolo systems, often go out of tune due to fluctuations in string tension, and existing solutions like lubricants or clamps either fail to completely prevent tuning issues or require irreversible modifications to the instrument.

Innovation Solution

A tune stabilizing device with a floating base plate and clamping means that securely engages strings, incorporates fine-tuning screws for precise adjustments, and a deflection arresting mechanism to prevent the device from shifting, allowing for stable tuning without altering the instrument's structure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If lubricants are applied to the nut to prevent string hang-ups, then the tendency to go out of tune is mitigated, but the solution is messy and short-lived

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning stabilityVSAvoidmessiness and short duration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the clamping function from the traditional nut and relocates it to a separate clamp device positioned behind the nut. This clamp securely holds the string bundle without requiring lubricants, eliminating the messiness and durability problems associated with lubricant-based solutions while maintaining tuning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp acts as an intermediary component between the nut and the string tuning mechanism. It provides a stable clamping point that prevents string hang-ups without requiring direct contact between lubricants and the nut, thereby solving the messiness and short-lived nature of lubricant applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If clamps are installed by bolting to the instrument to secure strings, then string tension stability is improved, but the instrument requires radical and irreversible modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestring tension stabilityVSAvoidinstrument modification

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention segments the clamping function from the instrument's original structure by using a separate, removable clamp device. This allows the clamping function to be added without modifying the instrument's body, preserving its integrity while achieving string tension stability. The clamp can be installed and removed without irreversible changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is designed to be dynamically adjustable and removable rather than permanently fixed. This allows musicians to install or remove the clamp as needed, providing flexibility without requiring irreversible modifications to the instrument. The clamp adapts to different string configurations while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a tremolo system with fine-tuner is installed to maintain perfect tuning pitch, then tuning precision is improved, but the instrument requires milling or irreversible modification

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning precisionVSAvoidinstrument modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the fine-tuning function from the main tremolo system by incorporating small fine-tuning screws directly into the clamp device. This segmented approach allows precise tuning adjustments to be made at the clamp location without requiring a complete tremolo system replacement or irreversible instrument modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp device serves multiple functions: it provides string clamping, enables fine-tuning adjustments, and prevents string hang-ups. By combining these functions in a single removable component, the invention eliminates the need for separate tremolo systems with fine-tuners that would require irreversible instrument modifications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If a clamp is installed to prevent string hang-ups, then tuning stability is improved, but the string tension is affected requiring compensation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning stabilityVSAvoidtuning operation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamp serves as an intermediary that provides stable string holding without significantly altering string tension. The fine-tuning screws integrated into the clamp allow for easy compensation of any tension changes, making the overall operation simple and intuitive while maintaining tuning stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9972289B2Tune stabilizing device for a stringed instrument

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 ARTINO ANTHONY P

AI summary

A tune stabilizing device comprising a string clamping means comprising a floating base plate and a clamping means adapted to cooperatively engage and releasably secure one or more instrument strings, a fine-tuning means, having a plurality of fine tuning screws in one-to-one correspondence with said instrument strings, whereby turning one of said screws presses on one of said strings, altering the tune of the string, and a deflection arresting means, capable of preventing said tune stabilizing device from deflecting away from the instrument strings when said fine tuning screws press against said strings.