Arc-Shaped Acoustic Guitar Pickup to Minimize Comb Filtering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sound amplification systems for acoustic instruments, such as guitars, suffer from issues like comb filtering, electromagnetic interference (EMI), and undesirable sound alterations, which degrade the natural acoustic properties of the instrument.
Innovation Solution
A pickup system with an arc-shaped design, incorporating magnets and inductance coils, is positioned away from the bridge and clamped to the sound hole, minimizing comb filtering effects and EMI interference while preserving the instrument's natural resonant properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If traditional pickup systems are used for acoustic guitar amplification, then sound amplification is achieved, but comb filtering effects significantly color the sound and alter the natural tone of the guitar
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by positioning the pickup components (magnets and coils) along an arc-shaped path rather than a straight line. This arc-shaped arrangement follows the natural curvature of the guitar's sound hole, creating a more distributed pickup pattern that reduces comb filtering effects while maintaining amplification capability.
2Measurement precision
If traditional pickup systems are used, then acoustic signal pickup is achieved, but electromagnetic interference introduces unwanted noise and degrades sound quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the pickup system from the traditional bridge area and relocates it to the sound hole region. By separating the pickup components from the bridge structure, the system reduces electromagnetic interference while maintaining effective acoustic signal pickup through the arc-shaped configuration around the sound hole.
3Power
If pickup systems are positioned close to the bridge for optimal string vibration detection, then signal strength is improved, but the natural acoustic properties of the instrument are disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a one-dimensional linear pickup arrangement near the bridge to a two-dimensional arc-shaped distribution around the sound hole. This dimensional change allows the pickup system to capture string vibrations effectively while preserving the instrument's natural acoustic properties by distributing the magnetic field across a broader area.
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
The arc-shaped pickup system provides a smoother frequency response, reduces unwanted noise, and maintains the acoustic integrity of the instrument, offering improved sound quality and compatibility with various playing styles.
Implementation Method 1
at least one inductance coil coupled to the magnet(s)
Data Source
AI summary
A transducer or pickup system amplifying musical instruments (such as, e.g., an acoustic guitar), including at least one magnet, at least one inductance coil coupled to the magnet(s), and an arc shaped housing enclosing magnet(s) and inductance coil(s). Some embodiments of the invention may provide unique sound characteristics due to comb filtering effects associated with an arc shape arrangement of magnets and/or coils in the pickup. In some embodiments the arc shaped pickup and/or housing may be placed within 7.0-7.5 inches of an edge of a guitar's bridge, and/or may be clamped to the edge of a guitar's sound hole, and/or may be aligned with a circumference of the sound hole. Different configurations are described with regard to nonlimiting embodiments.