Virtual Capstan

Ron Nossaman RNossaman@cox.net
Sun, 22 Jun 2003 16:39:13 -0500


Well, I wasn't interested in building an absolute theoretical piano model. 
I was just going to demonstrate as simply as possible the effects of the 
levers at work here. These are the figures from my own model and a guess of 
magnet weights. They'll suffice for the illustration.


The first group defines leverage ratios and weights.

center rail to magnet		moment3	95
center rail to capstan		moment2	120
keytop to center rail 		moment1	220
wip center to capstan		moment4	63
wip center to magnet		moment5	80
keytop to capstan		lever1		0.55
keytop to magnet		lever2		0.43
wip center to magnet		lever3		1.27
magnet weight				0.8
wippen magnet assy weight			4.6
key magnet assy weight			1.6



no magnet - weight on capstan	92	   DW=	50.18
This is what it takes in weight on the capstan to produce 50g DW. I don't 
care how it got there.

add magnet weight to wippen		97.84	   DW=	53.37
A 4.6g weight adds 5.84g at the capstan. This is a second class lever, 
where the effect of the force (weight) is amplified.

add magnet weight to key		99.11	   DW=	54.06
Add 1.6g inside capstan position, equivalent of +1.24g at capstan. First 
class lever, shorter moment arm, effective weight at capstan is less than 
that applied.

define magnet lift			15		
Arbitrary amount that made DW come out to about where it started - break even.

add magnet lift to key			110.98	   DW=	60.54
Magnet force pressing down on key. Effective force at capstan less than 
applied, just as with magnet weight.

subtract magnet lift from key		91.95	   DW=	50.15
Second class lever, effective weight reduction at capstan is more than that 
applied. -15g at magnet equivalent to -19.03g at capstan.


The static weight of the magnets (6.2g) add 7.1g at the capstan. The 
magnetic repulsion adds another 11.87g, and lifts 19.03g.


At 20g magnet lift, adjusting the gap smaller, roughly this would result.

no magnet - weight on capstan	92	   DW=	50.18
add magnet weight to wippen		97.84	   DW=	53.37
add magnet weight to key		99.11	   DW=	54.06
define magnet lift			20		
add magnet lift to key			114.94	   DW=	62.7
subtract magnet lift from key		89.54	   DW=	48.84

Here, the static weight of the magnets (6.2g) add the same 7.1g at the 
capstan. The magnetic repulsion adds another 15.83g, and lifts 25.4g, 
reducing DW.


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