Double Keyboard Piano System with Electronic Signal Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Double-manual pianos, with their mechanical complexity, are difficult to maintain and play due to the balky mechanism connecting the second keyboard to the hammers controlled by the first keyboard, making them impractical for modern use.

Innovation Solution

A double keyboard piano system comprising two automatic player pianos and a double keyboard console with a communication network allowing signal transmission between the consoles and player pianos, enabling automatic play based on key depressions from both keyboards, using MIDI protocol and solenoid-operated key actuators for key control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a mechanical mechanism connects the second keyboard to the hammers controlled by the first keyboard, then double-manual piano functionality is achieved, but the mechanism becomes balky and heavy requiring significant effort to transport

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-manual piano functionalityVSAvoidtransport effort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical linkage system with an electronic control system. The second keyboard generates electronic signals that are transmitted to control the hammers, eliminating the need for heavy mechanical connectors between keyboards and the hammer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system divides the double-manual piano into separate functional modules: the first keyboard controls hammers directly, the second keyboard generates electronic signals independently, and the control system processes signals separately. This segmentation allows the second keyboard to be lighter since it doesn't require direct mechanical connection to the hammers.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedouble-manual piano functionalityVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with electronic signaling systems. Electronic components such as sensors, signal generators, and control circuits are more easily diagnosed and replaced compared to intricate mechanical mechanisms, significantly improving maintenance ease.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an electronic control system as an intermediary between the second keyboard and the hammers. This intermediary layer processes signals electronically rather than through mechanical transmission, simplifying the overall system architecture and making individual components more accessible for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Extent of automation

If automatic player pianos with solenoid-operated key actuators are used, then key control is automated, but the system requires electrical energy for operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekey control automationVSAvoidelectrical energy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The automatic player piano system uses the kinetic energy from key depressions on either keyboard to generate the control signals needed for operation. The solenoid actuators are triggered by the mechanical action of keys being pressed, allowing the system to automate key control while minimizing external energy input requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Facilitates easier maintenance and playability by automating key control between the two keyboards, reducing mechanical complexity and effort required for operation, while maintaining the feel and touch of traditional piano playing.

Implementation Method 1

using MIDI protocol and solenoid-operated key actuators for key control

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSolenoid: Solenoid

Data Source

PatentUS8664497B2Double keyboard piano system

Publication Date: 2014.03.04 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A double keyboard piano system is provided. The double keyboard piano system may include a first automatic player piano, a second automatic player piano, and a double keyboard console including a first keyboard and a second keyboard mounted above the first keyboard. The first automatic player piano is in communication with the double keyboard console to receive a first signal including first information describing a first key for the first automatic player piano to automatically play based on a first key of the first keyboard being played, and the second automatic player piano is in communication with the double keyboard console to receive a second signal including second information describing a second key for the second automatic player piano to automatically play based on a second key of the second keyboard being played.