A foot-wearable keyboard module of aluminum plate and its operating method
The modularly designed foot-worn aluminum plate piano uses ankle rotation to drive the hammers, solving the problems of portability and multimodal playing of traditional aluminum plate pianos, and achieving precise foot and ankle playing and anti-fatigue effects.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Patents(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- TONGJI UNIV
- Filing Date
- 2025-06-04
- Publication Date
- 2026-07-03
AI Technical Summary
Traditional aluminum plate pianos are bulky and poorly portable, with limited playing methods and a fixed range that is difficult to adjust. Existing foot-controlled instruments have limited functions and obvious ergonomic defects, making it difficult to meet the needs of portability and multimodal performance.
Design a modular aluminum plate piano with detachable fan-shaped aluminum keys, a foot control module, and an integrated storage module. The hammers are driven to strike the keys by rotating the ankle, and the elastic hammer handles and anti-slip textures enable precise ankle playing and quick disassembly and storage.
It enables precise foot and ankle playing, freeing up the hands, supports complex melody playing, and features portability and anti-fatigue design, making it suitable for outdoor use.
Smart Images
Figure CN120564667B_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of percussion instrument technology, and in particular to a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-striking mechanism and its operating method. Background Technology
[0002] The traditional metallophone, as a percussion instrument, typically consists of a fixed arrangement of metal soundboards, a resonating chamber, and a support frame. Playing it requires striking with mallets using both hands, resulting in the following significant drawbacks: 1. Large size and poor portability: The overall structure is non-disassembled, and the keys and resonating chamber are integrated, making it difficult to move and store, especially unsuitable for outdoor or mobile use; 2. Limited playing style: Relying on both hands, it cannot free the player's upper limbs for multimodal performances (such as playing other instruments or performing other physical movements simultaneously); 3. Fixed range and difficulty in modulation: The soundboard is arranged in a fixed scale; if temporary adjustments to pitch or expansion of the range are needed, the entire set of keys must be replaced, which is cumbersome and costly.
[0003] In existing technologies, some foot-controlled musical instruments (such as foot drums and electronic pedals) attempt to expand the dimensions of performance through foot movements, but they still have the following shortcomings: 1. Limited functionality: They only support simple rhythm control, lack multi-note playing capabilities, and cannot achieve melodic expression; 2. Ergonomic defects: The foot control mechanism is mostly a fixed pedal, relying on the vertical stepping of the foot, which is difficult to accurately match the biomechanical characteristics of ankle joint rotation, easily leading to fatigue or misoperation; 3. Lack of modularity and storage: Existing foot-controlled musical instruments often rely on larger instrument sets (such as drum kits and double-keyboard pianos), the components are not detachable, and there is a lack of quick key replacement or storage design, making it difficult to meet the needs of portability. Summary of the Invention
[0004] The purpose of this invention is to overcome the shortcomings of the existing technology by providing a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-striking mechanism and its operation method, enabling precise foot and ankle playing, freeing the hands, supporting the playing of complex melodies; it is portable; it has multi-functional integration and anti-fatigue design.
[0005] This invention provides a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn keystroke, comprising:
[0006] The detachable playing module includes: multiple independent aluminum keys arranged in a fan shape and a key frame. The aluminum keys are provided with positioning holes, which are interference-fitted with columnar protrusions on the key frame for fixation. The bottom of the aluminum keys is embedded in the key frame groove of the key frame to achieve quick disassembly.
[0007] The foot control module includes: a hammer fixed to the performer's foot and an ankle rotator; the hammer includes: a flexible hammer handle, a hammer head, and a fixing strap, the flexible hammer handle being connected to the hammer head; the ankle rotator includes: a rotating base, a bearing, and a rotating plate, the rotating plate being fixed to the inner side of the bearing, and the rotating base being fixed to the outer side of the bearing, the ankle joint movement being converted into the lateral displacement and up-and-down key striking action of the hammer through the rotating base, bearing, and rotating plate; when the ankle rotates left and right, the rotating plate drives the bearing to rotate, the rotating base moves laterally in the horizontal direction, pushing the hammer fixed on the rotating base to move left and right, selecting different aluminum piano keys; when the ankle swings up and down, the fixing strap pulls the flexible hammer handle, the flexible hammer handle bends and stores energy before quickly rebounding, driving the hammer head to strike the aluminum piano keys downward to produce sound.
[0008] The integrated storage module includes: a piano case; the internal space of the piano case matches the curved contours of the key rack and the swivel platform, and the key rack, hammers and swivel platform are stacked and stored inside the piano case; the key rack and swivel platform are detachably connected to the key rack and the swivel platform through splicing holes and splicing plugs to form the piano body; the exposed part of the piano body forms a handle; the inside of the piano case cover is provided with a key fixing strap for fixing and storing aluminum piano keys.
[0009] Furthermore, the hammer also includes anti-slip texture. When the foot moves up and down, the elastic hammer handle stores energy and rebounds to drive the hammer head to strike the key. The anti-slip texture and the anti-slip strip on the heel of the ankle swivel platform are in a positive and negative interlocking relationship. Through the cooperation of the foot strap and the anti-slip texture, the hammer is firmly fixed to the player's foot. When the player's foot moves up and down, it drives the elastic hammer handle and hammer head to move downwards, and after contacting the aluminum piano keys, it quickly bounces back to achieve the effect of striking the key and producing sound. Moreover, due to the elastic structure of the elastic hammer handle, the player does not need to press the ball of their foot down completely; they can easily play through the vibration and rebound of the hammer.
[0010] Furthermore, the columnar protrusion is made of rubber and its height is higher than the positioning hole of the aluminum piano key. The radius of the positioning hole is 0.5-1mm larger than the radius of the columnar protrusion.
[0011] Furthermore, the back of the ankle swivel platform is equipped with a key storage groove for temporarily storing and replacing aluminum keys. The depth of the key storage groove is 1.5-2 times the thickness of the aluminum keys. The key storage groove, hammers, and anti-slip strips on the ground are all made of rubber, which can reduce or even eliminate excessive vibration and displacement of the aluminum keys and the piano body during performance, ensuring good pitch and performance.
[0012] Furthermore, the outer side of the key storage groove is provided with a groove limiting protrusion for temporarily fixing spare keys. During performance, aluminum keys can be quickly removed from under the rotating base and replaced with some aluminum keys on the key frame to change the pitch and key of the instrument.
[0013] Furthermore, the bottom of the instrument body is provided with a groove for fixing anti-slip strips, and a ground anti-slip strip is embedded in the groove. The material is rubber.
[0014] Furthermore, the instrument case is provided with a handle hole, and the handle hole matches the contour of the handle.
[0015] Furthermore, the curvature of the keyboard frame conforms to the movement trajectory of the foot, and the rotating base is connected to the rotating plate via bearings. The outer side of the bearing is pressed and fixed to the rotating base, while the inner side is fixed to the rotating plate via bearing fixing grooves. The fixing straps and anti-slip textures work together to support the fixing of the hammers at different positions in front of and behind the player's foot, accommodating various foot sizes.
[0016] The soundbox uses segmented hinges, which ensure stability in both open and closed states.
[0017] The present invention also provides a method for operating a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-striking mechanism, comprising the following steps:
[0018] S1: The hammer moves laterally by rotating the ankle joint left and right to select the aluminum piano key, and swings up and down to trigger the elastic hammer handle to strike the key;
[0019] S2: Replace the aluminum keys in the key storage recess of the ankle turntable to adjust the pitch;
[0020] S3: After disassembling the modules, the components are stacked and stored in the instrument case, with the handle exposed for carrying.
[0021] Furthermore,
[0022] In S1, the performer secures their feet to the hammers with straps, places their heels on rotating plates on the ankle swivel, and strikes the aluminum keys with the hammers to produce sound.
[0023] In S3, the aluminum piano keys are disassembled and fixed to the top cover of the piano case with the key fixing straps; the anti-slip texture of the hammer and the anti-slip strip of the heel are completely fitted together when stored, and the splicing structure of the key frame and the rotating base is separated by splicing holes and splicing plugs.
[0024] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages:
[0025] (1) Achieve precise foot and ankle playing and free up your hands. The small rotation of the foot and ankle is converted into a large range of lateral displacement of the hammer by rotating the base and bearing (25); the elastic hammer handle converts the up and down swing of the foot and ankle into key-striking action, which is suitable for rapid continuous strikes and supports the playing of complex melodies.
[0026] (2) Portability. The storage volume of the piano case is significantly reduced compared to traditional aluminum plate pianos, making it suitable for outdoor and mobile scenarios.
[0027] (3) Ergonomic optimization. It features multi-functional integration, with a key storage groove on the back of the rotating base for storing spare keys. It also has an anti-fatigue design, with anti-slip strips on the heels and adjustable straps to distribute foot pressure, allowing for continuous playing. Attached Figure Description
[0028] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument body of the present invention.
[0029] Figure 2 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the piano keys and hammers of the present invention.
[0030] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the ankle rotation platform of the present invention.
[0031] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the present invention in its stored state.
[0032] Figure 5 This is a three-dimensional exploded view of the present invention in its stored state.
[0033] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram illustrating the use of the present invention during performance.
[0034] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of the instrument case being stored when closed.
[0035] Attached reference numerals: 1-Aluminum keys, 2-Body, 3-Hammer, 4-Soundbox, 5-Positioning hole, 6-Key frame, 7-Heel swivel, 8-Hammer head, 9-Fixing strap, 10-Elastic hammer handle, 11-Anti-slip texture, 12-Handle hole, 13-Key fixing strap, 14-Segmented hinge, 15-Columnar protrusion, 16-Key frame groove, 17-Handle, 18-Matching hole, 19-Swivel base, 20-Ground anti-slip strip, 21-Key storage groove, 22-Heel anti-slip strip, 23-Swivel plate, 24-Bearing fixing groove, 25-Bearing, 26-Matching plug, 27-Groove limiting protrusion, 28-Anti-slip strip fixing groove. Detailed Implementation
[0036] The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. Component models, material names, connection structures, control methods, algorithms, and other features not explicitly described in this technical solution are considered common technical features disclosed in the prior art.
[0037] Example 1
[0038] This embodiment provides a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-playing mechanism, such as... Figure 1-7 As shown, it includes:
[0039] The detachable playing module includes: multiple independent aluminum keys 1 arranged in a fan shape and a key frame 6. The aluminum keys 1 are provided with positioning holes 5. The positioning holes 5 are interference-fitted with the columnar protrusions 15 on the key frame 6. The bottom of the aluminum keys 1 is embedded in the key frame groove 16 of the key frame 6 to achieve quick disassembly.
[0040] The foot control module includes: a hammer 3 fixed to the performer's foot and an ankle rotator 7; the hammer 3 includes: an elastic hammer handle 10, a hammer head 8, and a fixing strap 9, the elastic hammer handle 10 being connected to the hammer head 8; the ankle rotator 7 includes: a rotating base 19, a bearing 25, and a rotating plate 23, the rotating plate 23 being fixed to the inner side of the bearing 25, and the rotating base 19 being fixed to the outer side of the bearing 25, the ankle joint movement being converted into the lateral displacement and up-and-down key striking action of the hammer 3 through the rotating base 19, the bearing 25, and the rotating plate 23; when the ankle rotates left and right, the rotating plate 23 drives the bearing 25 to rotate, the rotating base 19 moves laterally in the horizontal direction, pushing the hammer 3 fixed on the rotating base 19 to move left and right, selecting different aluminum piano keys 1; when the ankle swings up and down, the fixing strap 9 pulls the elastic hammer handle 10, the elastic hammer handle 10 bends and stores energy and then quickly rebounds, driving the hammer head 8 to strike the aluminum piano key 1 downwards to produce sound.
[0041] The integrated storage module includes: a piano case 4; the internal space of the piano case 4 matches the curved contour of the key frame 6 and the foot swivel platform 7, and the key frame 6, hammers 3 and foot swivel platform 7 are stacked and stored in the piano case 4; the key frame 6 and foot swivel platform 7 are detachably connected to the connector 26 through the splicing hole 18 to form the piano body 2; the exposed part of the piano body 2 forms a handle 17; the inside of the top cover of the piano case 4 is provided with a key fixing strap 13 for fixing and storing aluminum piano keys 1.
[0042] In a specific embodiment, the hammer 3 also includes anti-slip texture 11. When the foot moves up and down, the elastic hammer handle 10 stores energy and rebounds to drive the hammer head 8 to strike the key. The anti-slip texture 11 and the anti-slip strip 22 on the heel of the ankle rotator 7 are in a positive and negative shape interlocking relationship. The hammer 3 is firmly fixed to the performer's foot by the foot strap 9 in cooperation with the anti-slip texture 11. When the performer's foot moves up and down, it drives the elastic hammer handle 10 and the hammer head 8 to move downwards. After contacting the aluminum piano key 1, they quickly bounce back to achieve the effect of striking the key and producing sound. Moreover, due to the elastic structure of the elastic hammer handle 10, the performer does not need to fully press down with the forefoot. They can easily play by the vibration and rebound of the hammer 3.
[0043] In a specific embodiment, the columnar protrusion 15 is made of rubber and its height is higher than the positioning hole 5 of the aluminum piano key 1. The radius of the positioning hole 5 is 0.5-1 mm larger than the radius of the columnar protrusion 15.
[0044] In a specific embodiment, the back of the ankle rotator 7 is provided with a key storage groove 21 for temporarily storing and replacing aluminum keys 1. The depth of the key storage groove 21 is 1.5-2 times the thickness of the aluminum keys 1. The key storage groove 21, the hammer head 8, and the anti-slip strip 20 are all made of rubber, which can reduce or even eliminate excessive vibration and displacement of the aluminum keys 1 and the piano body 2 during performance, ensuring good pitch and performance effect.
[0045] In a specific embodiment, the outer side of the key storage groove 21 is provided with a groove limiting protrusion 27 for temporarily fixing spare keys. During performance, aluminum keys 1 can be quickly removed from under the rotating base 19 and replaced with some aluminum keys 1 on the key frame 6 to change the pitch and key of the instrument.
[0046] In a specific embodiment, the bottom of the instrument body 2 is provided with an anti-slip strip fixing groove 28, and a ground anti-slip strip 20 is embedded in the anti-slip strip fixing groove 28. The material is rubber.
[0047] In a specific embodiment, the instrument case 4 is provided with a handle hole 12, and the handle hole 12 matches the outline of the handle 17.
[0048] In a specific embodiment, the curvature of the keyboard frame 6 conforms to the movement trajectory of the foot. The rotating base 19 is connected to the rotating plate 23 via a bearing 25. The outer side of the bearing 25 is pressed and fixed to the rotating base 19, while the inner side is fixed to the rotating plate 23 via a bearing fixing groove 24. The fixing strap 9 cooperates with the anti-slip texture 11 to support the fixing of the hammer 3 at different positions in front of and behind the player's foot, adapting to various foot sizes.
[0049] The piano case 4 uses a segmented hinge 14, which can maintain stability in both open and closed states.
[0050] This embodiment also provides a method for operating a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-striking mechanism, including the following steps:
[0051] S1: The hammer 3 is driven to move laterally by rotating the ankle joint left and right to select the aluminum key 1, and the up and down swing triggers the elastic hammer handle 10 to strike the key;
[0052] S2: Replace the aluminum key 1 in the key storage groove 21 of the ankle turntable 7 to adjust the pitch;
[0053] S3: After disassembling the module, it can be stacked and stored in the piano case 4, with the handle 17 exposed for carrying.
[0054] In a specific implementation,
[0055] In S1, the performer fixes his feet to the hammers 3 with the fixing straps 9, and his heels step on the rotating plate 23 on the ankle rotating platform 7. The hammer head 8 strikes the aluminum piano key 1 to produce sound.
[0056] In S3, the aluminum piano key 1 is disassembled and fixed to the top cover of the piano case 4 with the piano key fixing strap 13; the anti-slip texture 11 of the hammer 3 and the anti-slip strip 22 of the heel are completely fitted together when stored, and the interlocking structure of the key frame 6 and the rotating base 19 is separated through the interlocking hole 18 and the interlocking plug 26.
[0057] Components not described in detail in this embodiment are all existing components that can be purchased through public channels.
[0058] The above description of the embodiments is provided to enable those skilled in the art to understand and use the invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications can be made to these embodiments, and the general principles described herein can be applied to other embodiments without inventive effort. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the above embodiments, and any improvements and modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the disclosure of the present invention without departing from the scope of the invention should be within the protection scope of the present invention.
Claims
1. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano, characterized by, include: The detachable playing module includes: multiple aluminum piano keys (1) arranged in a fan shape and a key frame (6). The aluminum piano keys (1) are provided with positioning holes (5). The positioning holes (5) are press-fitted with the columnar protrusions (15) on the key frame (6). The bottom of the aluminum piano keys (1) is embedded in the key frame groove (16) of the key frame (6) to achieve quick disassembly. The foot control module includes: a hammer (3) fixed to the performer's foot and an ankle rotating platform (7); the hammer (3) includes: an elastic hammer handle (10), a hammer head (8), and a fixing strap (9), the elastic hammer handle (10) being connected to the hammer head (8); the ankle rotating platform (7) includes: a rotating base (19), a bearing (25), and a rotating plate (23), the rotating plate (23) being fixed to the inside of the bearing (25), the rotating base (19) being fixed to the outside of the bearing (25), and the ankle joint movement being converted into the lateral displacement and up-and-down key-striking action of the hammer (3) through the rotating base (19), the bearing (25), and the rotating plate (23); The integrated storage module includes: a piano case (4); the internal space of the piano case (4) matches the curved contour of the key frame (6) and the foot swivel (7), and the key frame (6), hammer (3) and foot swivel (7) are stacked and stored in the piano case (4); the key frame (6) and foot swivel (7) are detachably connected to the connector (26) through the interlocking hole (18) to form the piano body (2); the exposed part of the piano body (2) forms a handle (17); the inside of the top cover of the piano case (4) is provided with a key fixing strap (13) for fixing and storing aluminum piano keys (1).
2. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano according to claim 1, wherein, The hammer (3) also includes anti-slip texture (11). When the foot moves up and down, the elastic hammer handle (10) stores energy and rebounds to drive the hammer head (8) to strike the key. The anti-slip texture (11) and the anti-slip strip (22) of the heel of the ankle rotating platform (7) are in a positive and negative shape fit relationship.
3. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of claim 1, wherein, The columnar protrusion (15) is made of rubber and is higher than the positioning hole (5) of the aluminum piano key (1).
4. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of claim 1, wherein, The ankle rotator (7) has a piano key storage groove (21) on the back for temporary storage and replacement of aluminum piano keys (1).
5. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of claim 4, wherein, The outer side of the key storage groove (21) is provided with a groove limiting protrusion (27) for temporarily fixing spare keys.
6. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of claim 1, wherein, The bottom of the instrument body (2) is provided with a non-slip strip fixing groove (28), and a ground non-slip strip (20) is embedded in the non-slip strip fixing groove (28).
7. A foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of claim 1, wherein, The instrument case (4) is provided with a handle hole (12), and the handle hole (12) matches the outline of the handle (17).
8. A modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn keystroke as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The curvature of the keyboard frame (6) conforms to the movement trajectory of the foot. The rotating base (19) is connected to the rotating plate (23) through the bearing (25). The outer side of the bearing (25) is pressed and fixed to the rotating base (19), and the inner side is fixed to the rotating plate (23) through the bearing fixing groove (24). The fixing strap (9) cooperates with the anti-slip texture (11) to support the fixing of the hammer (3) at different positions in front of and behind the player's foot, adapting to various foot sizes.
9. A method of operating a foot-operated, modular aluminum plate piano of the type defined in any one of claims 1-8, characterized by, Includes the following steps: S1: Drive the hammer (3) to move laterally by rotating the ankle joint left and right to select the aluminum piano key (1), and swing it up and down to trigger the elastic hammer handle (10) to strike the key; S2: Replace the aluminum piano key (1) in the key storage groove (21) of the ankle turntable (7) to adjust the pitch; S3: After disassembling the module, stack it in the piano case (4) and carry it with the handle (17) exposed.
10. The operating method of a modular aluminum plate piano with a foot-worn key-playing mechanism according to claim 9, characterized in that, In S1, the performer fixes his feet to the hammer (3) with a fixed strap (9), and his heel steps on the rotating plate (23) on the ankle rotating platform (7). The hammer head (8) strikes the aluminum piano key (1) to produce sound. In S3, the aluminum piano keys (1) are disassembled and fixed to the piano case (4) with the piano key fixing strap (13); the anti-slip texture (11) of the hammer (3) and the anti-slip strip (22) of the heel are completely fitted together when stored, and the key frame (6) and the rotating base (19) are separated by the splicing hole (18) and the splicing plug (26).