Vibration Generator for Stringed Instrument Seasoning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Stringed musical instruments, particularly wood-bodied ones, require a significant 'play in' period to achieve optimal sound quality, which is time-consuming and inefficient, necessitating a method to simulate this process without manual playing.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using an electric vibration generator attached to a bridge cradle or sound hole cradle to simulate the vibrations that occur during playing, allowing for automated 'seasoning' of the instrument, reducing the need for manual play-in time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual playing is used to season the instrument, then the instrument achieves optimal sound quality, but the time required is substantial and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical vibration by using a vibration generator that produces mechanical oscillations to simulate the vibrations occurring during manual playing. The generator creates vibrations that are transmitted through the bridge or sound hole into the instrument body, replicating the seasoning process without requiring actual playing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of manual playing with an automated vibration generator. Instead of requiring a player to manually vibrate the instrument through playing, an electric or mechanical vibration generator is used to produce the necessary vibrations, substituting the human mechanical action with an automated system.
2Loss of time
If automated vibration simulation is implemented, then the play in period is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a bridge cradle or sound hole cradle as an intermediary device. These cradles serve as mediators between the vibration generator and the instrument, providing a interface that allows the vibrations to be effectively transmitted to the instrument body without requiring direct attachment to the strings or complex mounting mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator and cradle assembly is designed to be universally applicable to different types of stringed instruments. The same basic design can be adapted to work with various instrument types (guitars, basses, mandolins, etc.) by adjusting the cradle configuration, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity through standardization.
3Power
If the vibration generator contacts the strings, then the vibration transfer is effective, but the strings may be disturbed or damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the vibration transfer point from the strings and relocates it to the bridge or sound hole area. By placing the vibration generator to contact the bridge or sound hole rather than the strings, the harmful effect of string disturbance is eliminated while maintaining effective vibration transfer through the instrument body.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge cradle or sound hole cradle acts as an intermediary that transfers vibrations from the generator to the instrument body without involving the strings. This intermediary approach allows effective vibration transmission while keeping the strings separate and undisturbed by the vibration generator contacts.
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 solution effectively simulates the vibration process, maintaining the instrument's performance without disturbing the strings, thereby reducing the time and effort required for 'play in', ensuring the instrument remains in good condition.
Implementation Method 1
an electric vibration generator attached to a bridge cradle... permit the transfer of vibration generated by the vibration generator into the bridge of the instrument
Implementation Method 2
an electric vibration generator attached to a vibration cradle... permit the transfer of vibration generated by the vibration generator into the body of the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
This invention provides apparatus and methods for seasoning stringed musical instruments. For stringed instruments having a bridge, the apparatus comprises an electric vibration generator attached to a bridge cradle, the bridge cradle being sized and configured for detachable attachment to a bridge of the instrument, the bridge cradle comprising a main body portion sized and configured to be placed upon the bridge in sufficient contact therewith to permit the transfer of vibration generated by the vibration generator into the bridge of the instrument. For stringed instruments having a sound hole, the apparatus comprises an electric vibration generator attached to a vibration cradle, the vibration cradle being sized and configured for detachable attachment between the body and strings of the instrument, the vibration cradle comprising a base sized and configured to be placed in sufficient contact with the sound hole to permit the transfer of vibration generated by the vibration generator into the body of the instrument.