Universal Grand Piano Action With Adjustable Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing grand piano actions require specific configurations to fit different piano models, leading to inventory challenges and inconvenience in installation, as they must match exact hole-to-hole distances, capstan contact points, rail fittings, and hammer interactions, necessitating multiple replacement parts.
Innovation Solution
A universal grand piano action with an adjustable connection system between the repetition base and heel, along with customizable components like rest cushions and jacks, allows for installation in most grand pianos while enabling simultaneous half stroke keyboard design for both white and sharp keys, reducing inventory needs and facilitating easier repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a universal piano action design is implemented, then adaptability to different grand piano models is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to the need for adjustable connection systems
Solution Approach 1:
The piano action is divided into modular components with standardized interfaces. The repetition base, heel, jack, and other components are designed as separate modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced with standard tolerances while the overall system achieves universality through standardized connection interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The piano action components are designed with universal features that allow them to function across multiple grand piano models. The repetition base incorporates standardized hole patterns and mounting interfaces that can accommodate different piano configurations. The adjustable connection system uses universal mounting holes and positioning features that work with various heel positions and orientations, enabling a single action design to serve multiple piano models.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple specific piano action configurations are maintained for different models, then manufacturing precision for each model is easier to control, but inventory complexity and quantity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piano action components are designed with universal features that allow them to function across multiple grand piano models. The repetition base incorporates standardized hole patterns and mounting interfaces that can accommodate different piano configurations. The adjustable connection system uses universal mounting holes and positioning features that work with various heel positions and orientations, enabling a single action design to serve multiple piano models.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow the same component to be adapted to different configurations as needed. The repetition base can be positioned at multiple locations, and the heel can be oriented in different directions, allowing a single universal action to be configured for various piano models without requiring multiple pre-configured variants in inventory.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional fixed configuration piano actions are used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but ease of operation during installation decreases due to exact matching requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The piano action is divided into modular components with standardized interfaces. The repetition base, heel, jack, and other components are designed as separate modules that can be independently manufactured and assembled. This segmentation allows each module to be produced with standard tolerances while the overall system achieves universality through standardized connection interfaces between modules.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable features that allow the same component to be adapted to different configurations as needed. The repetition base can be positioned at multiple locations, and the heel can be oriented in different directions, allowing a single universal action to be configured for various piano models without requiring multiple pre-configured variants in inventory.
4Speed
If simultaneous half stroke keyboard design is implemented, then speed and responsiveness of piano action are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional adjustment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The half stroke design is implemented selectively at critical points in the action mechanism where it provides the greatest benefit to speed and responsiveness. Rather than over-engineering the entire system, the adjustment mechanisms are applied specifically to the repetition base and heel connection points where they most effectively reduce friction and improve key response, achieving significant performance gains without proportionally increasing overall complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal grand piano piano action that has adjustable connections between the repetition base, heel, and rest cushion bracket of the piano action to provide a piano action that can be adjusted to fit any grand piano. Other components of the grand piano piano action, such as the jack and flanges, may require specific design and manufacture for each brand of grand piano. Universal grand piano piano action also allows true simultaneous half stroke keyboard design for both the white and sharp keys of a piano and includes the methods for installing simultaneous half stroke keyboard design into a grand piano.