Under Bridge Apparatus for Stringed Instruments

Solution Overview

Problem

Current stringed musical instruments, such as guitars, require pressing strings down over the nut, leading to difficulty in playing chords, tuning instability, and finger discomfort due to the need for significant upward pressure.

Innovation Solution

An under bridge apparatus with a string retainer slot is attached to the instrument, allowing strings to pass underneath, reducing pressure and maintaining tuning by creating a space between the under bridge and the instrument, with an attachment base for precise positioning and support.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional nut is used where the string passes over the top, then the string is supported above the frets, but significant upward pressure is required to press the string down against the nut, causing difficulty in playing chords and finger discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of playing chordsVSAvoidupward pressure on string

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional nut configuration by placing it underneath the string path instead of above. The string passes over the top of the fingerboard and is retained by the under bridge/nut from below, reversing the conventional arrangement where the nut is positioned at the junction of the headstock and neck with the string passing over it. This inversion eliminates the need for downward pressure against an overhead nut, significantly reducing the force required to press strings against the frets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention transitions the nut from a horizontal positioning element (traditional side-mounted nut) to a vertical support element (under bridge positioned below the fingerboard). By moving the nut to a different spatial dimension - underneath the string path rather than at the side or top - the design changes the geometric relationship between the nut, string, and fingerboard, allowing string retention without obstructing the playing surface.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the head stock is connected at an obtuse angle with the neck, then the string can be attached to the bridge and head stock, but the string must be pressed down against upward pressure of the tensioned string, causing tuning instability over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetuning stabilityVSAvoiddifficulty in playing chords

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional nut configuration by placing it underneath the string path instead of above. The string passes over the top of the fingerboard and is retained by the under bridge/nut from below, reversing the conventional arrangement where the nut is positioned at the junction of the headstock and neck with the string passing over it. This inversion eliminates the need for downward pressure against an overhead nut, significantly reducing the force required to press strings against the frets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If continuous pressure is applied to press strings against the frets, then chords can be played, but blisters and callouses develop on the player's fingers

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of playing chordsVSAvoidfinger damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional nut configuration by placing it underneath the string path instead of above. The string passes over the top of the fingerboard and is retained by the under bridge/nut from below, reversing the conventional arrangement where the nut is positioned at the junction of the headstock and neck with the string passing over it. This inversion eliminates the need for downward pressure against an overhead nut, significantly reducing the force required to press strings against the frets.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10762880B1Under bridge apparatus and method

Publication Date: 2020.09.01 MARTELLI JOHN D

AI summary

An under bridge, with a top and a bottom, a front and a back and a first end and a second end. An attachment device is connected with the under bridge where the attachment device is configured to attach the under bridge to a musical instrument such that when attached to a musical instrument the bottom of the under bridge is above the musical instrument and a space is created between the bottom of the under bridge and the musical instrument. A string retainer slot is provided in the bottom of the under bridge.