Variable Slippage Control for DJ Turntable Surfaces

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing DJ control surfaces face challenges in varying the slippage between the user-manipulated vinyl-like surface and the rotating platter, which affects the cost and user preference for the feel of the slippage, as they often rely on fixed materials and motorized components.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of electromagnets to create adjustable slippage tension between the user-manipulated surface and the rotatable or fixed platter, allowing for customizable friction control using adjustable electromagnet strength and user input, such as a potentiometer, to simulate the feel of a traditional phonographic turntable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed slip disc material is used between the user manipulated surface and rotating platter, then the device structure is simple, but the slippage feel cannot be customized to match individual user preferences

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizable slippage feelVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by replacing the fixed slip disc material with an electromagnetic slippage control system. Electromagnets mounted on the platter can dynamically adjust the friction force between the platter and user manipulated surface in real-time, allowing the slippage feel to be customized according to user preferences while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the parameter changes principle by using electromagnets to variable the friction parameter between the platter and user manipulated surface. The electromagnetic force can be adjusted by changing the current through the electromagnet coils, thereby controlling the slippage characteristics without requiring physical replacement of slip disc materials.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a motorized platter is used to rotate the platter, then the platter rotation is precise and controlled, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveplatter rotation controlVSAvoidcost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the extraction principle by removing the motorized drive system from the platter assembly. Instead of using a motorized platter, the invention uses a passive rotating platter where the user manipulated surface is directly coupled to the platter through electromagnetic friction control, thereby eliminating the motor and reducing cost while maintaining rotation control through the electromagnetic slippage mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies the mechanics substitution principle by replacing the mechanical motorized drive system with an electromagnetic field-based control system. The electromagnetic forces generated by the electromagnets provide the necessary friction control and rotation management without requiring a mechanical motor, thereby simplifying the system and reducing manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the slippage between the user manipulated surface and platter is fixed, then the device is simple to operate, but it cannot produce variable audio effects like scratch effect with different friction levels

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariable audio effectsVSAvoidoperation simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the feedback principle by incorporating sensors that detect the rotational speed and position of the user manipulated surface and platter. This feedback information is used to control the electromagnetic slippage force in real-time, enabling variable audio effects such as scratch effects with different friction levels while maintaining intuitive operation through automatic adjustment based on user input.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 DJs to create variable audio effects like the scratch effect with customizable slippage, reducing costs by eliminating the need for motorized platters and accommodating individual preferences for the feel of the vinyl-like surface.

Implementation Method 1

electromagnets create the variable slippage tension or friction effect between the user manipulated vinyl-like surface (simulating a vinyl record) and the platter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Data Source

PatentUS7566827B2Variable slippage control for a disk jockey control surface

Publication Date: 2009.07.28 INMUSIC BRANDS INC

AI summary

The disclosure pertains to a scratch effect controller for use by a disk jockey, wherein at least one electromagnet creates the slippage tension or friction effect between the user manipulated disc, which includes a vinyl-like surface thereby simulating a vinyl record, and the rotatable or fixed platter. The strength of the electromagnet is variable so as to create a variable slippage tension or friction effect.