Automated String Playing System with Cam Fretting and Solenoid Picking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated string playing systems for stringed instruments lack the ability to simulate the nuanced playing techniques of human musicians, such as multiphonic musical passages, and often result in mechanical noise and wear on the instrument.
Innovation Solution
The automated string playing system incorporates a fretting subsystem with cam assemblies and a picking subsystem with solenoids, which are removably coupled to the instrument. The fretting subsystem uses a drive belt and motor system to move the cam assemblies along the fretboard, simulating human fretting while reducing mechanical noise and wear. The picking subsystem moves a pick across the strings to produce sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a dedicated hammer for each note is used (player piano), then the instrument can play automatically, but the system becomes complex and instrument-specific
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single motor and cam assembly system that can fret multiple strings across different positions, making the device universal and adaptable to various stringed instruments rather than requiring a dedicated hammer for each note as in player pianos
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces the complex mechanical hammer system with a motor-driven cam mechanism that uses rotational motion to press strings against frets, simplifying the overall mechanical complexity while maintaining automatic playing capability
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a motor-driven cam system is used to fret strings, then mechanical noise and wear are reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-and-fret mechanisms with a motor-driven cam system that uses controlled rotational motion to press strings, reducing mechanical impact, noise, and wear on the instrument while achieving precise fretting
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism employs periodic rotational motion to press and release strings in a controlled cycle, allowing the fretting action to be performed smoothly and repeatedly with minimal mechanical impact and noise
3Extent of automation
If the automated system is permanently attached to the instrument, then automation is achieved, but the instrument loses adaptability
Solution Approach 1:
The automated playing system is designed as a separate, modular device that can be attached to or removed from the instrument, allowing the instrument to remain adaptable and versatile while still achieving automatic playing capability when needed
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 system effectively simulates human playing techniques, reducing mechanical noise and wear on the instrument, and allows for the production of complex musical passages, enhancing the musical experience.
Implementation Method 1
The cam assembly has a cam and a pad coupled to the cam. The cam rotates in a first rotational direction such that the pad contacts the string to fret the string.
Implementation Method 2
The picking subsystem has a picking solenoid that moves a pick across the string of the stringed instrument to obtain a musical sound.
Implementation Method 3
The drive belt is operably coupled to and between the drive belt motor and the drive belt pulley.
Data Source
AI summary
An automated string playing system for a stringed instrument is provided. The instrument has a body, a neck having a fretboard, and a string. The system includes a fretting subsystem having first and second frame members, a drive belt, a drive belt motor, a drive belt pulley, a longitudinal guide rail, and a fretting assembly. The fretting assembly has a carriage member and a cam assembly. The carriage member is slidably coupled to the longitudinal guide rail and the drive belt. The drive belt motor moves the drive belt and the cam assembly to desired positions along the fretboard. The cam assembly has a cam that rotates such that a pad contacts the string to fret the string. The system includes a picking subsystem having a picking solenoid that moves a pick across the string of the stringed instrument to obtain a musical sound.