Automated Stringed Instrument Playing Device Using Segmented Actuators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current musical instruments lack automation in playing notes, order, and duration, relying on human intervention for sound generation.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical device that integrates a stringed instrument with a playing device, using a control circuit, servo motors, and solenoids to automatically determine and play notes by pressing strings against a fretboard, controlling the frequency and duration of vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a stringed instrument is played manually by a human, then the instrument can generate musical notes with human control and expression, but the instrument lacks automation in determining notes, order, and duration
Solution Approach 1:
The playing device is divided into multiple independent actuators, each responsible for pressing a specific string at a specific location. This segmentation allows automated control of individual notes while maintaining the overall simplicity of the system architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical action of human fingers with electromechanical actuators (solenoids or servo motors) that can be controlled by electronic signals from a music data signal, thereby achieving automation while reducing the complexity of manual dexterity requirements.
2Ease of operation
If a playing device is designed to automatically play the stringed instrument, then automation of performance is achieved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit is designed to be universal and multi-functional, capable of interpreting various music data signal formats and controlling multiple actuators simultaneously. This reduces the need for separate control systems for each function, thereby easing operation while managing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The playing device incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow it to self-adjust and self-regulate its performance based on the music data signal received, reducing the need for complex external control systems and simplifying the overall control architecture.
3Measurement precision
If multiple actuators are used to press strings at different locations, then precise control over note selection and duration is improved, but the device complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The actuators are arranged in a nested or compact configuration where multiple actuators can share common structural elements, mounting mechanisms, or control pathways. This reduces the overall space requirements and the number of independent support structures needed, thereby maintaining precision while managing the quantity of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent arranges actuators in multiple dimensions or layers rather than a simple linear array, allowing for more efficient space utilization and reduced component count while maintaining the ability to press strings at all necessary locations with high precision.
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
Enables automated generation of musical notes with precise control over note selection, order, and duration, allowing for automated performance of songs without human intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a solenoid positioned to press the string against the fretboard
Implementation Method 2
a servo motor positioned to pluck the string
Implementation Method 3
pressing the string against the fretboard to vibrate the string at a frequency that produces the note
Data Source
AI summary
The stringed instrument-playing machine is an electromechanical device. The stringed instrument-playing machine is a musical instrument. The stringed instrument-playing machine is an automated structure. The stringed instrument-playing machine automatically announces the musical notes of a song. The stringed instrument-playing machine comprises a stringed instrument and a playing device. The stringed instrument-playing machine incorporates a stringed instrument and a playing device. The stringed instrument is a mechanical structure that generates audible sounds in the form of a plurality of notes. The playing device is an electromechanical device. The playing device is an electrically powered device. The playing device mechanically plays the stringed instrument. By playing the stringed instrument is meant that the playing device determines and causes the stringed instrument to generate: a) the notes that are played; b) the order that the notes are played; and, c) the length of time each note is played.