Modular Circuit Bending for Tone Shaping Without Soldering

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Solution Overview

Problem

Musicians face limitations in shaping the tone of electric and electronic instruments and audio amplifiers due to the need for physical intervention in circuitry, which can lead to equipment damage and sonic losses, and existing modular systems offer limited flexibility and applicability.

Innovation Solution

A modular modding system that allows users to reconfigure tone controls without soldering, featuring interchangeable tone control modules with various characteristics and insertion options, along with a cable-tray design to shorten and shield the signal path, enabling flexible tone shaping and customization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical intervention in circuitry is performed to shape tone, then tone control flexibility is improved, but equipment damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetone control flexibilityVSAvoidequipment damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the tone control function into separate modular modules that can be independently selected and connected. Each module contains specific tone control circuits (bass, mid, treble controls, etc.) that can be independently swapped without affecting the main amplifier circuitry, thus providing flexibility while protecting the equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a modular interface system with standardized connectors and cable-trays that act as intermediaries between the amplifier and tone control modules. This intermediary structure allows users to change tone controls by simply connecting/disconnecting modules rather than physically intervening in the circuitry, eliminating damage risk while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If physical intervention in circuitry is performed to shape tone, then tone control flexibility is improved, but sonic losses occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetone control flexibilityVSAvoidsonic losses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces traditional mechanical soldering and wiring modifications with a plug-and-play modular system. Tone control changes are achieved through electrical connectors rather than physical circuit alterations, eliminating the need to cut, solder, or rewire cables, thus preventing sonic losses from poor connections while maintaining full tone control flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of operation

If existing modular systems are used for tone control, then ease of operation is improved, but adaptability is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of module swappingVSAvoidtone shaping flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal modular system where a single standardized interface can accommodate multiple types of tone control modules with different functions (bass control, mid control, treble control, graphic equalizers, etc.). The standardized connectors and cable-tray system provide universal ease of operation, while the variety of available modules ensures unlimited adaptability for different tone shaping needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS20230089612A1Method and a system for modular circuit bending and modding of electric and electronic music instruments, audio amplifiers and sound equipment

Publication Date: 2023.03.23 KINDLEIN EMIL

AI summary

A method and system for shaping the tone by modular circuit bending and modding of electric and electronic music instruments, audio amplifiers and sound equipment. The design of the system consists of a modding structure of a plurality of inserts, inputs and outputs connections for compatible modules, to reconfigure the electronic circuit without the physical changing of component values and without adding or removing electronic parts of the audio equipment by soldering. A plurality of tone modules for shaping the sound by the intervention into the signal path and a plurality of modules for shaping the tone by other sound design methods that are not part of the signal path are provided. For the modular system, an external device can be used as a multiplier, which consists of a plurality of inserts, inputs and outputs connections for compatible modules also including a plurality of combined series/parallel circuits of freely selectable inputs and outputs for the direct swap of a plurality of modding modules. In addition, switching options are available to control bypass, for advanced series or parallel connections, and for AB testing capabilities. The modular modding system can be used as a standalone device or as an upgrade to existing equipment.