Drum Coupling Assembly for Secure Percussion Object Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum coupling systems fail to securely attach and easily reposition percussive effect objects on a drumhead without damaging the drum or disrupting its vibration, due to issues with adhesives and limited positioning of accessories.

Innovation Solution

A drum coupling assembly featuring a first and second clamp coupled to the drum hoop with an elastic cord extending between them, allowing for secure attachment and easy repositioning of objects by holding a portion of the cord between the drum hoop and head, preventing undesired movement and damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesives are used to fasten objects to drumhead, then objects can be securely attached, but repositioning becomes difficult and drumhead may get damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidrepositioning ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a clamp that attaches to the drum rim and an elastic cord that contacts the object. This segmentation allows the object to be released by simply opening the clamp without affecting the drumhead, resolving the contradiction between secure attachment and easy repositioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An elastic cord is introduced as an intermediary between the clamp and the object. The cord transmits the holding force while allowing the object to be easily positioned and repositioned by adjusting the cord tension, maintaining both attachment security and repositioning ease.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If adhesives are used to dampen drum tone, then tone control is achieved, but full vibration and resonance are impeded

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetone controlVSAvoidvibration and resonance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of applying adhesive over large areas of the drumhead, the elastic cord provides localized contact only where needed to dampen specific tones. This localized approach allows tone control while preserving the overall vibration and resonance characteristics of the drumhead.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If brackets or mounts are used to attach accessories, then accessories can stay in place, but positioning is limited to one type of effect/use

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic cord provides a dynamic attachment system where the object can be easily moved to different positions by adjusting the cord length and tension. This dynamic mechanism maintains position stability during playing while allowing flexible repositioning for different effects and uses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp and elastic cord system can accommodate various types of objects and accessories at different positions on the drum, making it a universal attachment solution that supports multiple effects and uses rather than being limited to a single function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If objects are placed against drumhead at certain location and pressure, then desired tone is produced, but objects move to undesired positions due to vibrations and playing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetone precisionVSAvoidposition stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic cord is pre-tensioned to apply continuous pressure on the object, holding it firmly at the desired position before playing begins. This preliminary action ensures the object maintains its precise position and produces the desired tone throughout playing, preventing movement due to vibrations and strikes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 easy modification of sounds and tones by securely attaching and repositioning objects without damaging the drum, maintaining natural vibrations and resonance.

Implementation Method 1

an elastic cord coupled to the first clamp and the second clamp, wherein at least a portion of the elastic cord extends between the first clamp and the second clamp, and wherein at least a portion of the elastic cord is disposed between an edge of the drum hoop and the drumhead

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10614782B1Drum coupling assemblies
Publication Date: 2020.04.07 SKAGGS JACOB AARON
  • US10614782B1 patent drawing
  • US10614782B1 patent drawing
  • US10614782B1 patent drawing

AI summary

The disclosure herein includes a drum coupling assembly, which drum coupling assembly may include: a drum having a drum hoop and a drumhead; a first clamp coupled to the drum hoop; a second clamp coupled to the drum hoop; and an elastic cord coupled to the first clamp and the second clamp, an elastic cord, wherein at least a portion of the elastic cord extends between the first clamp and the second clamp, and wherein at least a portion of the elastic cord is disposed between an edge of the drum hoop and above the drumhead.