Vibrating Device for String Instruments Using Cam Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for vibrating string instruments to use them as loudspeakers face challenges in applying sufficient force without damaging the instrument, and existing solutions either require drastic modifications or are not suitable for costly instruments.
Innovation Solution
A vibrating device with a base member, load point member, fulcrum member, and anchor member that engages the string instrument's bridge to apply mechanical vibration, using a cam mechanism to ensure firm attachment without damaging the instrument, and incorporating vibration insulation to enhance sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If a high power vibration is applied to the string instrument to use it as a loudspeaker, then the sound volume and quality are improved, but the vibrating device may rattle or detach from the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional components: a base member that contacts the bridge, a fulcrum member that engages the string, and an anchor member that secures the assembly. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall stability during high-power vibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The base member, fulcrum member, and anchor member are combined into an integrated assembly that works together as a unified vibrating device. The fulcrum member connects the base member to the string, while the anchor member secures the base member to the instrument body, creating a merged structure that maintains reliability under high power conditions.
2Reliability
If the vibrating device is firmly attached to the string instrument without modification, then the attachment stability is improved, but the force by which the device is attached is limited to low power vibration only
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum member acts as an intermediary element that transfers vibration from the base member to the string. By engaging the string at a specific point, the fulcrum member amplifies the vibration force without requiring direct attachment to the instrument body, enabling high power transmission while maintaining attachment stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The device utilizes the vertical dimension by engaging the string from below through the fulcrum member, rather than only horizontal attachment to the bridge. This dimensional approach allows the application of greater force through the string's tension, enabling high power vibration without compromising attachment stability.
3Reliability
If the string instrument is modified to firmly attach the vibrating device, then the attachment stability is improved, but the sound quality and external appearance are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts the attachment function from the bridge area and relocates it to the instrument body through the anchor member. This extraction allows the bridge and soundboard to remain unmodified, preserving sound quality and appearance, while the anchor member provides secure attachment elsewhere on the instrument body.
4Ease of manufacture
If a detachable mounting arrangement is used on the bridge, then the ease of installation is improved, but the attachment stability is insufficient for high power vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The fulcrum member serves as a mediator that transfers the attachment load from the bridge area to the string itself. By engaging the string's tension, the fulcrum member creates a stable attachment point that can withstand high power vibration while maintaining ease of installation through detachable mounting of the base member.
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
Enables string instruments to produce high sound volume and quality without permanent modification, allowing them to be used effectively as loudspeakers while preserving the instrument's integrity and appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration generator mounted on the base member and configured to convert an electric signal into a mechanical vibration
Implementation Method 2
the base member is provided with a means for displacing at least one of the fulcrum member and the anchor member relative to the base member such that the at least one of the fulcrum member and the anchor member is pushed against the at least one string
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
Provided is a device (20) for vibrating a string instrument (1) to allow the string instrument to be used as a loudspeaker. To press a base member (22) fitted with a vibration generator (50) against a bridge (13) of the string instrument (1) via a load point member (24) of a vibration transmission member (26), the base member (22) is provided with a fulcrum member (30) engaging an upper side of the strings (9) of the string instrument (1) and an anchor member (38) engaging a lower side of the strings (9). In order to urge the vibration transmission member (26) against the bridge (13), a cam mechanism (40) presses the anchor member (38) against the lower side of the strings (9).