Dynamic Retuning Musical Instrument for Prime-Number Chord Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instruments cannot use pure tuning to expand chords with higher prime-numbered tone ratios in real time or modulate these chords freely into higher prime-numbered ratios.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical or electronic musical instrument equipped with a tuning device for dynamic retuning and an electronic computing unit that allows for real-time chord expansion and modulation with prime-numbered tone ratios both smaller and larger than five.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional fixed-tuning musical instrument is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but it cannot realize real-time chord expansion and modulation with higher prime-numbered tone ratios
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic retuning capability where the tuning of each tuning body can be adjusted in real-time during performance. The tuning device includes adjustable mechanisms that allow the tuning bodies to be repositioned dynamically, enabling the instrument to adapt to different prime-numbered tone ratios without requiring multiple fixed instruments. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by providing versatility while maintaining a single instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the tuning parameter of each tuning body independently through the tuning device. By allowing continuous adjustment of the tuning parameter (pitch) for each tuning body, the instrument can realize various chord expansions and modulations with higher prime-numbered ratios. This parameter change capability enables the same physical instrument to perform multiple tuning systems, resolving the adaptability-complexity contradiction.
2Adaptability or versatility
If dynamic retuning capability is added to enable real-time chord expansion, then the adaptability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning device is segmented into individual adjustable units for each tuning body. Each tuning body has its own independent adjustment mechanism, allowing selective retuning of specific notes without affecting others. This segmentation reduces the overall complexity by modularizing the retuning function, making the system more manageable and easier to implement while maintaining high adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The tuning device is designed with universal adjustability that can accommodate various tuning systems and chord expansions. The same basic tuning device structure serves multiple functions: traditional tuning, prime-numbered ratio tuning, chord expansion, and modulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized mechanisms, thereby managing complexity while enhancing versatility.
3Measurement precision
If multiple tuning bodies with adjustable tuning devices are implemented, then the manufacturing precision requirements increase, but the intonation accuracy improves
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces precise mechanical positioning requirements with an electronic control system. The tuning devices are actuated by motors controlled by a computer unit that calculates the exact positions based on desired prime-numbered tone ratios. This substitution of mechanical precision with electronic control and calculation allows for high intonation accuracy without requiring extremely high manufacturing precision in the physical tuning bodies, as the electronic system can compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
4Ease of operation
If an electronic computing unit is added to calculate and control tuning, then the ease of operation improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electronic computing unit automatically calculates the required tuning positions and controls the tuning devices without requiring manual intervention for each adjustment. The system self-regulates the tuning process based on input parameters (such as desired chord structure and prime-numbered ratios), reducing the operational burden on the musician while managing the electronic complexity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The computing unit incorporates feedback mechanisms to monitor and adjust the tuning process in real-time. By receiving information about the current state of the instrument and comparing it with the desired tuning configuration, the system automatically makes corrections. This feedback control simplifies operation for the user while managing electronic complexity through intelligent automation.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a musical instrument, characterised in that the instrument is designed such that any tonal spaces can be both expanded and modulated/are both expanded and modulated in use, either on the basis of prime-number tone ratios, even those greater than five, or tempered tone ratios, in real time by means of prime number tone ratios, even those greater than five, or by means of tempered tone ratios.