Flamenco Cajon Tunable Membrane for Sound Resonance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The conventional flamenco cajon has limitations in sound production, particularly in terms of frequency range and resonance, making it difficult to produce deeper bass notes and harmonious sounds, and it can be overly noisy, which complicates accompanying other instruments and recording.
Innovation Solution
The addition of a tuneable membrane element on the sides of the cajon, made from materials like leather, synthetic materials, or wood, which can be bonded and sized differently to achieve specific sounds, and can be mounted using screws or adhesive to maintain sound integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional flamenco cajon is used, then it maintains simple structure and portability, but it produces limited frequency range and insufficient resonance
Solution Approach 1:
The cajon is divided into separate resonance chambers (first and second chambers) with independent tuning mechanisms. Each chamber can be tuned separately to different frequencies, allowing the instrument to cover a broader frequency range while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements tuneable membrane elements that can be adjusted to different tensions and configurations. This dynamic adjustability allows the same physical structure to produce different frequency ranges and resonance characteristics, enhancing versatility without adding permanent structural complexity.
2Reliability
If the cajon produces deeper bass notes with more resonance, then it achieves better sound quality, but it becomes overly noisy which complicates accompanying other instruments
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the cajon are designed with different properties - some chambers are optimized for bass tones while others are optimized for higher frequencies. The membrane elements and opening configurations are locally adjusted to control resonance characteristics, allowing deeper bass notes while managing overall noise levels through selective tuning of different zones.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple membrane elements are added to expand sound range, then frequency range is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The membrane elements serve multiple functions simultaneously - they act as vibrating surfaces for sound production, as tuning mechanisms for frequency control, and as structural components that define the resonance chambers. This multi-functionality allows the same components to expand sound variety without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.
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
This enhancement allows for a wider range of sounds and improved resonance, enabling the creation of new rhythms and compositions while maintaining the cajon's portability and playability, increasing its recognition and professionalization in music.
Implementation Method 1
one or more membrane elements are added to one or more of its sides. This element, which may be made of leather, synthetic material or wood, produces a sound when struck directly
Implementation Method 2
Internally it has a resonance chamber that is formed by fitting pair of side panels (3, 4) to the frame
Data Source
AI summary
Flamenco cajon with a parallelepiped-shaped structure comprising an upper panel (1) and a lower panel (5) parallel to each other; a front panel (2) incorporating a frame with two horizontal struts, an upper one and a lower one, within which several guitar strings (11) are fastened to said struts, and featuring a tuning system that works by means of string tensioning. These strings are positioned parallel to the front panel (2) and connected to it to produce vibrations when said panel is struck. Internally it has a resonance chamber that is formed by fitting pair of side panels (3, 4) to the frame, with one of said side panels having a hole (6) to allow for the fitting of a mounting device (12) which enables the mounting of a membrane element (7) composed of a drumhead (14) and a circular frame (15), and another of the panels featuring a second hole (9) for the output of the air and sound coming from the resonance chamber.