Vibration Applicator for Stringed Instruments Using Bone Conduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stringed instruments, especially those made of wood, experience performance degradation when stored for long periods under controlled temperature and humidity without regular play, leading to a loss of their characteristic sounds over time.
Innovation Solution
A vibration applying apparatus that uses a bone conduction speaker to apply natural vibrations to the instrument, simulating play and maintaining its performance by resonating the instrument through a T-shaped pedestal and supporting units, with a control system to adjust and monitor the vibrations and environmental conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If stringed instruments are stored under controlled temperature and humidity without regular play, then the instrument's physical structure is preserved, but performance degradation occurs due to loss of resonance characteristics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration through a vibration generator that contacts the instrument body, transmitting vibrations directly to the resonator. This mechanical vibration stimulates the instrument's resonance characteristics, preventing performance degradation while the instrument remains in storage under controlled environmental conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator operates periodically rather than continuously, applying vibrations at intervals that simulate regular playing. This periodic action maintains the instrument's resonance characteristics without requiring constant human interaction, resolving the contradiction between preservation and performance maintenance.
2Reliability
If music is played through acoustic apparatus in storage space, then acoustic excitation is applied to the instrument, but standing waves dependent on internal dimensions cause uneven sound distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration source from the acoustic environment and places it in direct contact with the instrument body. By using a vibration generator that physically contacts the resonator rather than relying on acoustic waves in the storage space, the harmful standing waves are eliminated while maintaining effective vibration transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator acts as an intermediary between the power source and the instrument's resonator. This mechanical intermediary directly transmits vibrations to the instrument body, bypassing the acoustic medium that would otherwise create standing waves and uneven sound distribution in the storage space.
3Reliability
If vibration is applied continuously to maintain instrument performance, then resonance characteristics are maintained, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration generator operates periodically with intervals between vibration applications. This periodic operation maintains the instrument's resonance characteristics through intermittent stimulation rather than continuous vibration, significantly reducing energy consumption while preserving performance reliability.
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
The apparatus effectively minimizes performance degradation by maintaining the instrument's resonance and sound quality, allowing it to perform as if regularly played, thereby reducing the risk of losing its unique characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration applying apparatus that uses a bone conduction speaker to apply natural vibrations to the instrument, simulating play and maintaining its performance by resonating the instrument through a T-shaped pedestal
Data Source
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AI summary
The performance degradation of a vibration target object is minimized. A vibration applying apparatus 1 includes a bone conduction speaker 13, a pedestal 12 to which the bone conduction speaker 13 is fixed, and supporting units 112 and 121 on which a stringed instrument 20 is placed, and is designed to transmit natural vibrations emanating from the bone conduction speaker 13 to the supporting unit 121 via the pedestal 12.