Active Violin Shoulder Rest with Sound Diffusion and Actuators

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing violin shoulder rests do not effectively enhance the expressive range of acoustic instruments while maintaining ergonomic support, as they lack integration of sound diffusion and actuation technologies that can provide both haptic feedback and spectrally idiosyncratic active acoustics without intrusive modifications.

Innovation Solution

The development of active shoulder rests (ASRs) incorporating sound diffusion speakers, voice-coil actuators, and an amplifier system, such as the Adafruit MAX98306, which connect to a port for microphone attachments and a daughter board for signal processing, allowing for parametric control of vibrotactile haptic feedback and spectrally flatter sound diffusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If sound diffusion speakers and actuators are integrated into the shoulder rest, then the expressive range and acoustic presence of the instrument are enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpressive rangeVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines sound diffusion speakers, actuators, and amplifier systems into an integrated shoulder rest assembly. The speakers are embedded within the shoulder rest structure, and the actuators are coupled to both the shoulder rest and the violin body, creating a unified system that provides both ergonomic support and active acoustic enhancement without requiring separate external devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The shoulder rest is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides ergonomic shoulder support, delivers haptic feedback through actuators, diffuses sound through embedded speakers, and offers parametric control of acoustic characteristics. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace what would otherwise require multiple separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If active acoustics are used to alter the acoustic presence, then the expressive range is expanded, but the spectral characteristics become idiosyncratic

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpressive rangeVSAvoidspectral characteristics

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system employs dynamic control of the active acoustic elements, allowing the performer to adjust the acoustic characteristics in real-time. The amplifier system can be controlled parametrically to vary the degree of acoustic enhancement, and the actuators can be activated or deactivated based on performance needs, enabling flexible adaptation of spectral characteristics rather than fixed idiosyncratic behavior.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If amplification levels are increased to enhance acoustic presence, then the expressive range is expanded, but feedback and self-resonance issues may arise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveexpressive rangeVSAvoidfeedback

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates feedback control mechanisms where the acoustic output is monitored and used to adjust the actuator and speaker activity. This closed-loop approach prevents uncontrolled feedback and self-resonance by detecting and compensating for problematic acoustic interactions in real-time, allowing higher amplification levels without the harmful effects of feedback.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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

ASRs enhance the expressive range of violins by providing haptic feedback and active acoustics, allowing musicians to alter the acoustic presence of their instruments without permanent modifications, while maintaining ergonomic support and familiar playing feel.

Implementation Method 1

at least one sound diffusion speaker... that radiates from the acoustic body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic transduction:

Implementation Method 2

at least two voice-coil actuators... gives strong vibratory haptic feedback to the upper chest

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic force: Lorentz Force

Data Source

PatentUS20240414461A1Active violin shoulder rests

Publication Date: 2024.12.12 THE ARIZONA BOARD OF REGENTS ON BEHALF OF THE UNIV OF ARIZONA

AI summary

Disclosed herein are active shoulder rests that include sound diffusion speakers and actuators. In embodiments, the ASRs also include an amplifier to which the sound diffusion speakers and actuators are connected.