Mounting Element for Tuning Machines on Stringed Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing tuning machines for stringed instruments often require modifications to the instrument's headstock when replacing or upgrading, as aftermarket units with matching mounting configurations are difficult to find, leading to aesthetic and practical issues.

Innovation Solution

A mounting system with locator pins on the tuning machine's base that adapts to various instrument configurations using a mounting element with alignment apertures and elements, allowing secure attachment without modifying the instrument, including projections and notches to align with existing holes, ensuring a visually minimal and secure fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a tuning machine with a specific mounting configuration is replaced, then the instrument can be upgraded to a newer model, but the headstock must be modified by boring additional holes or driving screws at new locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility of tuning machine with instrumentVSAvoidease of mounting tuning machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A mounting plate is introduced as an intermediary component between the tuning machine and the instrument headstock. The mounting plate has a first configuration that matches the tuning machine's mounting structure (e.g., receiver slots for locator pins) and a second configuration that matches the instrument's headstock mounting holes. This intermediary allows the tuning machine to be mounted without modifying the instrument's headstock, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of manufacture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the headstock is modified to accommodate a different mounting configuration, then the tuning machine can be installed, but the aesthetic value of the instrument is compromised due to visible modifications

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to mount different tuning machinesVSAvoidaesthetic degradation from headstock modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate serves as a mediator that interfaces between the tuning machine and the existing headstock mounting holes without requiring any modification to the headstock. By utilizing the existing hole pattern and adding a custom mounting plate, the instrument's aesthetic appearance is preserved while still enabling the installation of tuning machines with different mounting configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If replacement tuning machines are sought with matching mounting configurations, then the instrument's original appearance is preserved, but the search becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaesthetic preservationVSAvoidtime to find compatible tuning machine

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate is designed with universal adaptability to work with various tuning machine mounting configurations. By creating a library or system of mounting plates with different first configurations, the solution enables mounting of diverse tuning machine types (e.g., locator pin, screw lug, slot receiver) on instruments with standard headstock hole patterns, eliminating the need to search for rare matching tuning machines and significantly reducing the time required for replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Reliability

If older tuning machines are replaced with modern technologically advanced units, then the instrument's performance is improved, but the mounting process requires permanent modification of the instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveperformance of tuning machineVSAvoidintegrity of instrument headstock

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting plate acts as a reversible intermediary that enables the installation of modern tuning machines without permanently altering the instrument's headstock. The mounting plate can be removed and replaced if needed, preserving the headstock's original composition and integrity while still allowing access to modern tuning technology with improved reliability and performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS9240166B1Devices and methods for mounting tuning machines on stringed instruments

Publication Date: 2016.01.19 DUNWOODIE DAVID

AI summary

Devices and methods for mounting a tuning machine with locator pins to a stringed instrument having a mounting configuration with receiving holes that are misaligned with the tuning machines locator pins. A mounting element is provided having top and bottom surfaces and a post aperture to receive the tuning machine's post. Tuning machine alignment apertures in the top surface are in alignment with and adapted to receive the locator pins when the post is located within the post aperture, and instrument alignment elements in the bottom surface are in alignment with the receiving holes on the instrument when the post is located within the post aperture on the mounting element and the first post aperture on the instrument. The top surface complementarily receives the base of the tuning machine, and the bottom surface complementarily fits with the mounting configuration of the instrument such that the tuning machine can be secured to the mismatched instrument.