Modulated frequency modulation exciter

Abstract

The disclosed embodiments may be considered a compound resonance driver, an acoustic enhancement device that magnetically mounts on the exterior surface of a bass drum resonant head. It requires no tools, no permanent modifications to the drum or head, and installs in approximately 30 seconds. The device produces enhanced low- frequency punch, depth, and tone through Compound Resonance — a physics-based acoustic coupling effect produced by the geometry and material compliance of the driver body in direct contact with the resonant head surface. The disclosed embodiments mount directly on a resonant bass drum head, not on a drum shell.

Description

Invention TitleModulated Frequency Modulation Exciter

[0001] Background of the Invention

[0002] (1) Field of the Invention

[0003] The invention generally relates to enhancement of drum head and drum systems. More particularly, the disclosed embodiments introduce harmonic resonance and frequency modulation into a drumhead’s natural motion.

[0004] (2) Description of the Related Art

[0005] U.S. patent 7,582,820 issued on September 1 , 2009 by Millender, Jr. et al discloses an internal insert system to improve dampening and dissonant overtones. While revolutionary at the time of inception, the ‘820 patent fails to provide or anticipate the disclosed embodiments.

[0006] The known prior art fails to disclose, suggest or anticipate the disclosure systems of integrating with a drumheads nature motion to introduce harmonic resonance and frequency modulation. The disclosed embodiments may be considered as a booter device or exciter system sometimes made of a well-defined inner and outer rims, a main body but yet sometimes comprising a monolithic and flexible membrane sometimes comprising air bubbles.

[0007] Brief Summary of the Invention

[0008] The present invention overcomes shortfalls in the related art by presenting an unobvious and unique combination, configuration and use of membrane material containing microscope air bubbles. The disclosed embodiments are sometimes considered as or called a MFME (Modulated Frequency Modulation Exciter) which discloses and represents a groundbreaking advancement in drum sound enhancement. Unlike traditional drumhead modifications, which primarily focus on damping vibrations, the MFME introducesharmonic resonance and frequency modulation into the drumhead’s natural motion.

[0009] In some of the disclosed embodiments, , the MFME is a compound resonance device (CRD) that utilizes a specialized flexible material containing microscopic air bubbles. These air bubbles act as individual resonant chambers, allowing for precise tuning of the material’s vibrational properties. As a result, the MFME enhances low-frequency response, adds harmonic complexity, and modulates the drumhead’s natural frequencies — producing a richer, more resonant sound. This concept represents a new and obvious use of the physics behind low-damping factor amplifiers (which allow extended speaker cone movement for enhanced bass response) and the legendary Stradivarius violins, whose unique tonal qualities are attributed to millions of microscopic air channels in aged wood that act as harmonic resonators. With its ability to shape a drum’s damping factor, frequency response, and tonal characteristics, the MFME is the first device to introduce frequency modulation to drumheads and drums, making it a revolutionary tool for drummers and recording engineers.

[0010] The disclosed embodiments have been found to work with drums of all sizes. The scope of the invention is not limited to base drums.

[0011] With respect to Harmonic Resonance Enhancement:

[0012] The MFME material vibrates at a high harmonic level, meaning every part of the material contributes to the sound.

[0013] The inclusion of microscopic air bubbles allows for precise control of the material’s vibrational characteristics, influencing tonal complexity and sustain.

[0014] By selecting the right bubble volume and distribution, the MFME’s frequency response can be custom-tailored.

[0015] With respect to Frequency Modulation for Drumheads:

[0016] Traditional drum tuning relies on tension adjustments to control pitch. The MFME introduces a new dimension of pitch modulation by shifting thedrumhead’s frequency as it vibrates. This creates a dynamic frequency shift at the vibrating frequency of the MFME itself — true frequency modulation.

[0017] Unlike mass-based dampers (which only affect primary excursion), the MFME engages the entire drumhead surface, allowing complex multi-directional vibration for a more organic, musical response.

[0018] With respect to Compound Resonance & Broadband Harmonic Enhancement:

[0019] The MFME leverages compound resonance, a process where vibrations are layered upon each other at resonant frequencies. This creates an exponential gain in amplitude and harmonic content, giving the drum a fuller, richer sound with increased sustain.

[0020] The MFME does not interfere with the natural movement of the drumhead but instead excites it, rather than dampening it.

[0021] With respect to Low Damping Factor Effect - Greater Low End Response

[0022] The MFME behaves similarly to low-Q damping factor amplifiers, which allow extended bass response by permitting speaker cones to continue moving beyond the waveform’s stopping point.

[0023] Applied to drumheads, this results in greater low-frequency projection, warmth, and natural sustain, as opposed to traditional damping, which reduces low-end response.

[0024] Further advantages in the disclosed embodiments are achieved by non-obvious means and methods such as intentionally using differing amounts of glue to secure magnets into the disclosed ring and / or exciter.

[0025] The MFME is the first true compound resonance device for drums, unlocking new possibilities for harmonic enhancement, frequency modulation, and low-frequency response. Unlike traditional drumhead treatments that dampen and control vibrations, the MFME amplifies and refines them, making drums sound fuller, richer, and more dynamic than ever before.

[0026] Brief Description of the Drawings

[0027] FIG. 1 is a perspective view showing one embodiment of the invention.

[0028] FIG. 2 is a perspective view of a main body in the foreground and a ring unit in the background

[0029] FIG. 3 is a sectional view of a ring unit

[0030] FIG. 4 is a perspective view of the outside surface of a main unit

[0031] FIG. 5 is a perspective view of the inside surface of a main unit

[0032] FIG. 6 is a view of FIG. 5 with a tunning ring added

[0033] FIG. 7 is a perspective view of a tuning ring

[0034] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of a main unit

[0035] FIG. 9 is a view of FIG.8 with a tuning ring

[0036] FIG. 10 is a sectional view of a main body with a tuning ring and a plurality of magnets

[0037] FIG. 11 s a waveform plot from a drum not yet improved by a disclosed embodiment.

[0038] FIG. 12 is a waveform plot as changed by use of a disclosed embodiment.

[0039] Reference Numerals in the Drawings

[0040] 100 a disclosed embodiment in general

[0041] 200 main body

[0042] 210 voids defined by the main body used to secure magnets

[0043] 215 inner ring of main body

[0044] 220 outer ring of main body

[0045] 230 planer surface or elastomer surface of the main body 200

[0046] 235 magnet voids defined within an outer perimeter of the main body 200

[0047] 300 attachment ring

[0048] 310 voids defined by the attachment ring to hold magnets

[0049] 400 tuning ring

[0050] 500 magnet

[0051] 600 drum head surface

[0052] These and other aspects of the present invention will become apparent upon reading the following detailed description in conjunction with the associated drawings.DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS OF THE INVENTION

[0053] The following detailed description is directed to certain specific embodiments of the invention. However, the invention can be embodied in a multitude of different ways as defined and covered by the claims and their equivalents. In this description, reference is made to the drawings wherein like parts are designated with like numerals throughout.

[0054] Unless otherwise noted in this specification or in the claims, all of the terms used in the specification and the claims will have the meanings normally ascribed to these terms by workers in the art.

[0055] Unless the context clearly requires otherwise, throughout the description and the claims, the words "comprise," "comprising" and the like are to be construed in an inclusive sense as opposed to an exclusive or exhaustive sense; that is to say, in a sense of "including, but not limited to." Words using the singular or plural number also include the plural or singular number, respectively. Additionally, the words "herein," "above," "below," and words of similar import, when used in this application, shall refer to this application as a whole and not to any particular portions of this application.

[0056] Referring to FIG. 1 , a disclosed embodiment 100 in general may comprise a main body 200 and an attachment ring 300

[0057] Referring to FIG. 2, a main body 200 is in the foreground and an attachment ring 300 is in the background

[0058] FIG. 3 presents a perspective and sectional view of an attachment ring 300 a perspective view of a main body 200 is shown having and outer ring 230, and inner ring 220

[0059] FIG. 4 shows a main unit having an inner ring, outer ring and an optional microphone connector. For application an optional coil, not shown may be disposed within a disclosed embodiment.

[0060] FIG. 5 presents a perspective view of a main unit, showing the inside surface, the surface closest to a drum head.

[0061] FIG. 6 shows a tunning ring inserted into a main unit

[0062] FIG. 7 a disclosed tuning ring, with other embodiments contemplated such as the tapered shaped embodiment of FIG. 9. A tuning ring may be used to may also be called or considered an expansion ring that fits within the main unit. The tuning ring may have a slightly larger or larger diameter as compared to the inside diameter of the main body. Thus causing the membrane of the main unit making the resonant frequency of the membrane tunable.

[0063] FIG. 8 is a sectional view of main body

[0064] FIG. 9 is a sectional view of main body with a tunning ring. The tuning ring of FIG. 9 has a flat surface disposed into the outside ring of the main unit and a tapper surface facing towards the inner ring of the main unit.

[0065] FIG. 10 presents an isolated view of tuning ring and magnets

[0066] FIG. 11 presents a wave form without use of a disclosed embodiment

[0067] Referring to FIG. 12, a wave form originating from FIG. 11 is shown to have changed by use of a disclosed embodiment.

[0068] Methods and Systems of Operations

[0069] Some of the disclosed embodiments may be viewed as operating via Bi-coupling or by comprising two coupled oscillators or two resonate systems. At relatively low frequencies, as disclosed below two resonate systems are connected such that energy or sound waves move back and forth between them, producing a stronger or more controlled resonance. In the disclosed embodiments, a first system may be considered Oscillator A (driver) or drum head and a second system may be considered a disclosed BOOM CRD elastomer body. Each of the systems may have its own natural or inherent frequency of movement.

[0070] When coupled together, the drum head and a disclosed embodiment will behave like coupled oscillators and the resulting resonant frequency relation is approximately:

[0071]

[0072] Where k = stiffness and m = effective mass

[0073] When the two oscillators drum head and BOOM CRD are coupled, two new frequencies are created, a Lower Mode (in-phase motion and Higher Mode (out-of-phase motion. This phenomenon is sometimes referred to as “mode splitting”.

[0074] In relative low frequencies, such as the ones created by the disclosed endowments and / or such as frequencies are created by typical musical drums, such as base drums, the starting conditions of low frequencies may be described as:long wavelengths, high displacement and strong air coupling.

[0075] By use of the disclosed embodiments and a drum bi-coupling at low frequency occurs and can produce:Energy storage in the resonant body, Frequency narrowing, Enhanced harmonic reinforcement and greater acoustic output

[0076] The presently disclosed embodiments create mechanical frequency modulation via coupled resonators and are integral to a system comprising:

[0077] 1. Drum head (broadband excitation)

[0078] 2. Elastomer resonator (a disclosed embodiment or main body 200

[0079] 3. Air cavity interaction

[0080] 4. Magnetic coupling points

[0081] Resulting in: selective reinforcement of low-frequency modes, narrowband frequency modulation and harmonic enrichment.

[0082] The above system is sometimes referred to herein as “ Compound Resonance.

[0083] The low-frequency bi-coupling described above may also be referred to herein as:

[0084] Coupled resonator system

[0085] Mechanical resonance coupling

[0086] Dual-mode resonance

[0087] Moreover, the coupled resonator system or disclosed embodiments above has been found to create an unexpected favorable results by, inter alia, by increasing bass energy without adding power. This phenomenon may be called “impedance transformation in coupled resonators.” This favorable result, not created by any of the known prior art, can be explained and supported by the following:

[0088] When two resonant systems are coupled (drum head + BOOM C.R.D.), they exchange energy in a way that changes the effective acoustic impedance of the system.

[0089] In simple terms:

[0090] The drum suddenly “sees” a different load.

[0091] That new load lets the drum move more efficiently at low frequencies.

[0092] Thus, acting in concert with a disclosed embedment, the drum head behaved like a spring mass oscillator:

[0093] f = \frac{1 } {2\pi} \sqrt { \frac{k}{m} }

[0094] Where:

[0095] k = stiffness of the drum head

[0096] m = effective vibrating mass Lower frequencies occur when: stiffness decreases effective mass increases

[0097] A portion of the physics involved when a disclosed embodiment is coupled to a drum head include:

[0098] The BOOM C.R.D. acts like an impedance transformer.

[0099] Energy flow becomes:

[0100] Drum head

[0101] |

[0102] Coupled resonator (BOOM CRD)

[0103] |

[0104] Air radiation.

[0105] The resonator:

[0106] • stores energy

[0107] • releases it at the right phase

[0108] • increases pressure at low frequencies

[0109] Result:

[0110] Stronger bass output without extra input energy.

[0111] The elastomer material provided unexpected favorable results during testing and experimentation. After hearing the exceptional sound, research was performed to objectively verify the improved sound. The elastomer was found tohave extreme under damping and allows for control of the size and distribution of air bubbles during fabrication. The damping allows for energy storage, delayed release and phase reinforcement.

[0112] The disclosed embodiments also exhibit superior temporal shaping (Attack and Sustain) due to the elastomer being underdamped the elastomer stores energy briefly and releases energy slightly delayed this creates:

[0113] A. Stronger attack envelope

[0114] (initial transient feels bigger)

[0115] B. Controlled sustain

[0116] (low frequencies last longer)

[0117] That combination is exactly what we associate with: large drums / big rooms.

[0118] The enhanced sound quality of the disclosed embodiments can also be explained by the characteristics of the human brain. The disclosed systems have been found to increase spectral density as opposed to total energy wherein energy is concentrated tin useful bands. The disclosed embodiments create a more focused low band with phases aligned and strong peaks, The human brain responds to peaks and not averages.

[0119] A disclosed manufacturing method of the elastomer results in a finished product that is not entirely uniform which introduces slight nonlinear behavior such as compression and expansion asymmetry and micro modulation which creates subtle harmonic enrichment which adds perceived warmth, loudness and depth. One such manufacturing process is to inject air into a product mold when the elastomer has cooled to the range of 230 to 270 degrees.

[0120] Variations of product performance may be varied by introducing air bubbles into a mold of elastomer with the bubbles ranging is size between 0.001 mm to 0.1 mm.

[0121] In general, disclosed embodiments may be deployed upon a drum head by magnetic attachment. A drum head or a portion of drum head may be disposed between the ring and the main body with the ring and main body in magnetic attachment. A drum head may define a void suitable to place the ring through the drum head as part of an installation process, A circular portion of the drum head is typically removed and disposed between the main body and ring. The magnetic attachment system has the advantage of toolless assembly and disassembly and results in a coupling of the drum head and disclosed system to create the oscillation described above.

[0122] The compound resonance drumhead is constructed, encompassing the concept and functionality of the BOOM CRD.

[0123] In the same way that the drumhead comprises zone 1 And with its application, the boom CRD’s outer ring and membrane comprise zone 2, and the space inside the center BOOM ring comprises zone 3.

[0124] Because these zone dividing rings are flexible, each song is able to develop its own unique vibrational characteristic, and because the material is flexible, the zone dividing material can stretch as the drumhead is tensioned up or down.

[0125] Although a fixed tuning head could be constructed using a flexible or a more rigid material for economy or effect.

[0126] This new type of drumhead could be used on the resonant or the batter side of the drum.

[0127] Zone 3 at the center could be open / ported, fitted with a magnetic ring for attachment utilization, coated for various effects, or I can figure for the addition of additional zones or treatments with magnetic or other form of attachment / s.

[0128] These zone dividing rings may be centered or offset on the drum head. And additional benefit may be gained from sizing the different rings, according to the Golden Ratio or the Fibonacci sequence.

[0129] Disclosed embodiments are sometimes referred to as BOOM

[0130] Regarding the ranges of disclosed frequency ranges of operation:

[0131] 90hz - 60hz - The bass drum fundamental resides

[0132] 28hz - 19hz - BOOM fundamental

[0133] 56hz - 38hz - BOOM with Expansion Ring generally

[0134] 29hz - 90hz - Total Boom tuning range with Expansion Ring

[0135] Harmonics appear in the full spectrum from 2hz up to 7khz proportionate to the drums harmonic content and overtones.

[0136] The disclosed embodiments may be referred to as MOOM CRD and may be considered an acoustic enhancement device that magnetically mounts on the exterior surface of a bass drum resonant head. It requires no tools, no permanent modifications to the drum or head, and installs in approximately 30 seconds.

[0137] Some of the disclosed embodiments produce enhanced low-frequency punch, depth, and tone through Compound Resonance — a physics-based acoustic coupling effect produced by the geometry and material compliance of the driver body in direct contact with the resonant head surface.

[0138] The BOOM CRD™ mounts ON the resonant bass drum head — not on the drum shell. This is a fundamental and distinguishing feature of the invention. The resonant head is the primary acoustic radiator of the bass drum. Direct coupling of the driver to this surface is central to the Compound Resonance effect.

[0139] The material of the main unit may be made of silicon rubber via injection molding. In the preferred endowments disclosed embodiments may have a Shore hardness of approximately 60A (ASTM D2240) or in the range of Shore 40A to 80A; a mold temperature of 170-200°C (338-392°F), an injection pressure in the range of 10,000-25,000 PSI and a cure time in the range of 20-60 seconds depending on wall thickness and a compression set Less than 10%at 70 hours 1175°C (ASTM D395) — returns to shape after repeated install / removal.

[0140] The neodymium magnets are NOT insert-molded. They are installed after the silicone body has been made and ejected. The magnets are placed into pre-formed recesses in the molded silicone body and secured with structural adhesive. The disclosed embodiments include more permanent or destructive means of attachment such as using metal bands to permanently attach to a drum head. In some embodiments, a void in the drum head is advantageous.

[0141] The disclosed embodiments include attaching a system to a drum head by use of adhesive which includes peel and stick adhesive between the main body and drum head. The disclosed embodiments also apply to unlisted means of product attachment as the principles of operation and novel results would be the same.

[0142] The above detailed description of embodiments of the invention is not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the invention to the precise form disclosed above. While specific embodiments of, and examples for, the invention are described above for illustrative purposes, various equivalent modifications are possible within the scope of the invention, as those skilled in the relevant art will recognize. For example, while steps are presented in a given order, alternative embodiments may perform routines having steps in a different order. The teachings of the invention provided herein can be applied to other systems, not only the systems described herein. The various embodiments described herein can be combined to provide further embodiments. These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the detailed description.

[0143] All the above references and U.S. patents and applications are incorporated herein by reference. Aspects of the invention can be modified, if necessary, to employ the systems, functions and concepts of the various patents and applications described above to provide yet further embodiments of the invention.

[0144] These and other changes can be made to the invention in light of the above detailed description. In general, the terms used in the following claims, should not be construed to limit the invention to the specific embodiments disclosed in the specification, unless the above detailed description explicitly defines such terms. Accordingly, the actual scope of the invention encompasses the disclosed embodiments and all equivalent ways of practicing or implementing the invention under the claims.

[0145] While certain aspects of the invention are presented below in certain claim forms, the inventors contemplate the various aspects of the invention in any number of claim forms.

Claims

CLAIMSWhat is claimed is:

1. An acoustic enhancement device comprising an elastomeric body that magnetically mounts on the exterior surface of a resonant drum head.

2. The device of claim 1 wherein the elastomeric body has a Shore durometer in the range of 40A to 80A, preferably 60A, enabling conforming contact with the surface of the resonant head across varying drum sizes.

3. The device of claim 2 wherein magnets are secured within recesses of the elastomeric body by post-mold adhesive bonding, positioned to create a removable magnetic attachment force perpendicular to the resonant head surface.

4. The device of claim 3 wherein the magnets may be insert-molded during the silicone injection process.

5. The device of claim 2 wherein the elastomer body is in direct contact with resonant base drum head and produces compound resonance.

6. The device of claim 5 wherein the device comprises a main unit and a ring attachment unit that are magnetically coupled.

7. The device of claim 6 wherein the main unit and ring attachment unit are directly disposed on either side of the resonant drum head by use of magnetic attraction.

8. The device of claim 6 further includes a tuning ring disposed within the main unit.

9. The device of claim 6 wherein the main unit comprises an inner ring and an outer ring.

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