Compact Electronic Guitar with Segmented Body and Vibration Sensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing compact electronic guitars face challenges in maintaining string elasticity and quickly assembling/disassembling while allowing immediate use after connection, and in accurately capturing string vibrations and excursions during various playing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A compact electronic guitar design featuring two interconnected body parts with string vibration sensors on each part, a tubular rod with ball plungers and a retainer for mechanical connection, and spring-loaded contact pairs for electrical connection, allowing for quick assembly and disassembly while maintaining string elasticity and capturing detailed string events.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the guitar body is divided into two separable parts for portability, then the instrument becomes more compact and easier to transport, but the connection mechanism becomes more complex and string elasticity may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guitar body is divided into two separable parts (first body part and second body part) that can be disconnected for portability. Each part contains specific components (strings, sensors, connectors) that can be independently assembled and connected through a simplified mechanical interface involving a rod with plungers and a retainer mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod is made tubular with the geometric axis parallel to the geometric axis of the body and shifted relative to the latter, creating a nested structure where connection elements are housed within the rod itself. The ball plungers and retainer are positioned within the socket, engaging with grooves and slots on the rod to form a compact, integrated connection system.
2Loss of time
If the connection mechanism is simplified for quick assembly, then assembly time is reduced, but the reliability of mechanical and electrical connection may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The rod with shifted geometric axis automatically aligns with the socket, and the ball plungers with spring elements automatically engage with the plunger grooves when the parts are joined. The retainer with roller attached secures the connection through a simple latching action, ensuring reliable mechanical and electrical connection without complex assembly procedures.
3Ease of manufacture
If strings are installed on each body part separately, then assembly is simplified and string elasticity is maintained, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The string system is segmented into two independent sets, with each body part having its own strings and vibration sensors. This allows each part to be assembled and tested independently, maintaining string elasticity and simplifying the overall assembly process. The separate string sets can be independently adjusted and replaced without affecting the other part.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod serves multiple functions: it provides the mechanical connection interface between body parts, houses the electrical connectors, and acts as a structural element that maintains string tension. The socket similarly serves as both a mechanical receptacle and an electrical connection point, reducing the need for separate components.
4Measurement precision
If vibration sensors are placed on each body part, then string vibration detection accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vibration sensing system is segmented into two independent sets, with string vibration sensors attached to each body part. This allows each sensor to be optimized for detecting vibrations on its respective part, improving measurement precision. The sensors are positioned to detect various playing techniques including hitting, displacing, pressing, and sliding actions on the strings.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system uses identical or similar vibration sensor configurations on both body parts, allowing for standardized design and easier manufacturing. The sensors detect similar physical phenomena (string vibrations) using the same principles, reducing the complexity of designing and calibrating different sensor types for different parts.
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 quick and reliable assembly/disassembly, maintains string elasticity, and accurately records string vibrations and playing techniques, enhancing portability and usability with reduced complexity and increased efficiency in event processing.
Implementation Method 1
The electrical connection is configured to form contact pairs comprising contact pads located on the end of the rod and contact springs located inside the rod installation socket
Implementation Method 2
the rod is fastened in the socket by two ball plungers and a retainer with a roller attached thereto; said plungers and retainer are positioned in the socket and engage respectively with the plunger groove and the retainer slot located on the rod
Implementation Method 3
string vibration sensors attached to the body; provide the possibility to obtain information about vibrations and excursions of the strings located on the neck
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to the field of plucked string musical instruments, specifically to designs of electric musical instruments which transform mechanical vibration of strings into electrical signals, more particularly to compact electronic guitars, and can be used in portable electronic guitars.The application of the invention claimed allows to create a compact electronic guitar that can be quickly assembled/disassembled, while the string elasticity level remains the same in both disassembled and assembled states (making the guitar immediately available for use once the parts of the body have been connected) and to provide the possibility to obtain information about vibrations and excursions of the strings located on the neck occurring as a result of using various playing techniques requiring certain actions to be taken in relation to the strings located on the neck, such as hitting, displacing the pressed string sideward, sudden pressing down of the string and sudden releasing of the pressed string, moving the finger along the string, either pressed or not. This provides the possibility to use a larger number of events occurring with the string to generate acoustic oscillations.