Group 1 2012 Gate 5
(→Proposed Revisions) |
|||
| Line 45: | Line 45: | ||
===Proposed Revisions=== | ===Proposed Revisions=== | ||
| + | As part of our analysis, we also proposed several subsystem and system level revisions to the design of the piano. For a complete list of our proposed subsystem revisions, see [[Group 1 2012 Gate 3 #Design Revisions|Gate 3: Design Revisions]] | ||
====Injection Molded Action Linkages and Hammer Bodies==== | ====Injection Molded Action Linkages and Hammer Bodies==== | ||
| − | |||
====Chorded Keyboard==== | ====Chorded Keyboard==== | ||
Revision as of 21:22, 13 December 2012
In this gate, we finalized our findings and reviewed our process and presented them in a technical report. In addition to a written report about the project, we also presented a proposed revision discussed in Gate 4 to the class and instructors.
PUT PICTUARS EVERYWHERE!!! ALL THE PICTURARS!
Contents |
Technical Report
Executive Summary
Product Analysis Summary
The analysis process for the piano primarily focused on a dissection and reverse-engineering of components and systems. The following is an overview of the main stages of analysis we performed.
Dissection and Reconstruction
The parameters of the analysis project required us to disassemble the piano down to its base components, and later reassemble the piano back to its original working functionality. In general, both disassembly and reassembly were completed quickly and without major setbacks. We were somewhat surprised to see that virtually all of the piano was held together with Phillips head screws and glue. This made the disassembly and reassembly considerably easier than initially anticipated. Due to the extreme weight and relative fragility (it is made of cast iron) of the frame, we opted not to remove it from the housing of the piano. Due to safety concerns over high tension wires snapping and the fear of breaking any of the strings, we also opted not to remove any from the frame. These decisions greatly sped up the disassembly and reassembly processes.
Product Disassembly
The following is an overview of the disassembly process. For an in-depth review, see Gate 2: Product Dissection. ever cannot be removed from the action without first removing a select few mutes from the action to expose its fastening screws.
- Remove screw-fastened pieces of the housing.
- Remove pedal assemblies, pedal bars, and linking dowels.
- Detach keys from action pull rods and then remove.
- Remove action from housing.
- Remove action end brackets from action.
- Remove hammer springs, hammer rest, and mute lever from action.
- Remove mutes and action linkage/hammer sub assemblies.
When dissecting the action, we found it extremely helpful to rest it on an elevated pedestal to allow access from as many angles of the action at once as possible. It is also important to note that several of these general steps can or must occur concurrently. For instance, the pedals are connected to the action by two easily removed dowels, their removal has almost no impact on the removal of the action. Conversely, the mute lever cannot be removed without first removing several select mutes to allow access to its fastening screws.
Product Reassembly
The reassembly was a relatively simple process, and proceeded almost exactly in reverse of the deconstruction process. Since group members already understood the subsystem layout and interaction, the rebuild went smoothly and quickly. Only two group members were needed for the reassembly. The reconstruction is covered more thoroughly in Gate 4.
The first significant deviation from the disassembly process was in the insertion of the action into the housing. Having not previously put it back into the housing, we were surprised at the amount of force and shimmying it took to properly seat the action back in the housing. Care also had to be taken to ensure that the pull rod for each hammer was attached to the correct key, and that the pedals were correctly adjusted so as not to move the mutes or hammers too close to the piano.
Analysis Process
Chris, write whatever you want as long as the bullshit to cynical realism ratio doesn't drop below 2.
Component Summary
Our analysis revealed that the upright piano can be generalized as consisting of three main components: the cast iron frame that holds the strings in place,the action that translates key depression into hammer movement, and the exterior wooden housing that supports and protects the other components.
For a more in-depth analysis of the components of the piano, see Gate 3: Product Analysis.
Action
The action is largely an array of levers and and a four bar linkage that translates the vertical motion of the keys into the largely horizontal motion of the hammers, while yielding the user a high degree of control over the duration and speed of the hammer strike. The typical piano has 88 keys, so the action contains 88 identical sets of pull rod/action linkage/hammer sub-assemblies. 'GIF AT THE RIGHT OF THIS PARAGRAPH'
The action also contains mechanisms for modifying the tonality of every key strike: depressing the two pedals results in the raising and lowering of two bars that respectively increase the volume of the piano, and change its tonality and make the piano quieter by shifting all of the hammers closer to the strings.
Frame
The frame, as previously mentioned, is a very large and heavy piece of cast iron whose primary function is to provide support to the strings. Its considerable weight and thickness is to ensure that the strings can be placed under high enough tension to produce the correct sound without warping.
Housing
The housing is the wooden structure that supports the action and frame. It consists of glued and/or screwed together wooden planks and provides the shape of the piano. It also has a sliding cover to protect the keys.
Proposed Revisions
As part of our analysis, we also proposed several subsystem and system level revisions to the design of the piano. For a complete list of our proposed subsystem revisions, see Gate 3: Design Revisions
Injection Molded Action Linkages and Hammer Bodies
Chorded Keyboard
