Dual Plectrum Composite Coupler for Independent String Movement

Solution Overview

Problem

Current double plectrum systems produce a raspy low-quality timbre due to their rigid structures, which restrict the independent movement of plectrum elements, resulting in a sound that does not closely resemble a twelve-string guitar when strummed with a single plectrum.

Innovation Solution

A dual plectrum composite coupler with a spacer material and a hardened pivot core, allowing each plectrum to move independently, comprising a method for manufacturing and assembling the coupler using a mold and softer spacer material, and enabling adhesion forces to hold the plectrums in place for use on a stringed instrument.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structures permanently join two plectrum elements together, then structural stability is improved, but independent movement of plectrum elements deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidindependent movement

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is segmented into a hard pivot core and a soft spacer material, allowing the plectrum elements to be separated by the compressible spacer while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables independent movement of each plectrum element while preserving the coupled structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with compressible spacer material. The spacer allows the distance between plectrum elements to change dynamically during play, enabling independent movement while maintaining structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Stability of the object's composition

If rigid structures permanently join two plectrum elements together, then structural stability is improved, but sound quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidsound quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler is segmented into a hard pivot core and a soft spacer material, allowing the plectrum elements to be separated by the compressible spacer while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables independent movement of each plectrum element while preserving the coupled structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure with compressible spacer material. The spacer allows the distance between plectrum elements to change dynamically during play, enabling independent movement while maintaining structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If soft spacer material is used to allow independent movement, then independent movement is improved, but adhesion strength deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindependent movementVSAvoidadhesion strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The coupler uses a composite structure combining hard pivot core material and soft spacer material. The hard pivot core provides adhesion strength to hold plectrum elements, while the soft spacer material allows independent movement and compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The coupler is segmented into a hard pivot core and a soft spacer material, allowing the plectrum elements to be separated by the compressible spacer while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables independent movement of each plectrum element while preserving the coupled structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

The solution allows for independent movement of each plectrum, enhancing the sound quality to resemble that of two separate plectrums played simultaneously, thereby improving the timbre to approach the sound of a twelve-string guitar when strummed with a single plectrum.

Implementation Method 1

compressing the dual plectrum system to cause adhesion forces between the soft spacer material of the composite coupler and the upper and lower plectrums to bind the assembled composite coupler

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentEP2880649B1Dual plectrum systems for stringed instruments

Publication Date: 2018.10.10 TAYLOR ROBERT A

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Figure 3A~3B
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AI summary

Embodiments of the present invention related to plectrum composite couplers comprising a spacer material, the spacer material comprising an upper surface and a lower surface, and a pivot core that is embedded at least partially in the spacer material. Different embodiment of the invention comprise methods for manufacturing composite couplers, methods of assembling a dual plectrum system comprising a dual plectrum composite coupler, and methods for striking the strings of a stringed instrument using an assembled dual plectrum device comprising said dual plectrum composite coupler.