Hermetically-Sealed Electret Microphone as Cymbal Accelerometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cymbals lack the feel and expression of traditional acoustic cymbals, and conventional microphones suffer from acoustic feedback and crosstalk issues, while accelerometers are expensive and require customization, dampening high-frequency response.
Innovation Solution
A hermetically-sealed electret microphone is configured as an accelerometer and attached to the cymbal, encapsulating it to prevent air pressure differential interference and maintain high-frequency response, allowing for faithful transduction of cymbal vibrations into electrical signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a conventional microphone is used to pick up cymbal sound, then the natural sound can be captured, but acoustic feedback and crosstalk become problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic-based microphone system with a mechanically-coupled accelerometer system. The accelerometer is directly coupled to the cymbal structure, converting mechanical vibrations into electrical signals without relying on acoustic wave propagation through air, thereby eliminating feedback and crosstalk issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an accelerometer as an intermediary device between the cymbal and the signal processing system. This intermediary converts mechanical vibrations directly into electrical signals, serving as a mediator that bypasses the acoustic field and its associated problems of feedback and crosstalk
2Measurement precision
If an electret microphone is modified with a proof mass to operate as an accelerometer, then sensitivity to accelerative forces is improved, but high-frequency response is dampened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the electret microphone by sealing it hermetically and coupling it directly to the cymbal structure. This parameter change allows the device to function as an accelerometer without requiring an external proof mass, thereby maintaining high-frequency response while achieving adequate sensitivity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the existing diaphragm mass of the electret microphone as sufficient proof mass for accelerometer operation, rather than adding excessive mass. This partial action approach provides adequate sensitivity for cymbal vibration detection without over-damping the high-frequency response
3Measurement precision
If existing accelerometers are used for cymbal transduction, then transduction of vibrations is achieved, but cost and customization requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the electret microphone multi-functional by configuring it to operate both as a sound pressure microphone and as an accelerometer. This universality allows a single inexpensive, off-the-shelf component to serve multiple purposes, eliminating the need for specialized accelerometers and enabling cost-effective, scalable production
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs inexpensive electret microphones that can be easily replaced and manufactured at low cost, rather than using expensive specialized accelerometers. This approach prioritizes cost-effectiveness and scalability while achieving adequate vibration transduction performance for musical instrument applications
4Reliability
If the electret microphone is hermetically sealed and coupled to the cymbal, then it operates as an accelerometer with reduced acoustic interference, but the diaphragm must be sufficiently inertial
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the acoustic pressure-based detection mechanism with a direct mechanical coupling system. By hermetically sealing the microphone and coupling it to the cymbal, the system substitutes acoustic field interaction with direct structural vibration transmission, relying on the diaphragm's inherent inertia for accelerometer operation
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 provides a cost-effective and scalable means to accurately transduce cymbal vibrations, reducing acoustic feedback and crosstalk while preserving high-frequency response, offering an authentic playing experience similar to traditional cymbals.
Implementation Method 1
A hermetically-sealed electret microphone is configured as an accelerometer and attached to the cymbal
Implementation Method 2
The diaphragm of an electret microphone is absolutely diaphanous—thinner and more flexible than an insect wing
Implementation Method 3
A hermetically-sealed electret microphone is configured as an accelerometer and attached to the cymbal, encapsulating it to prevent air pressure differential interference
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a cymbal system includes a cymbal and a transducer couplable to the cymbal. The transducer has a sound pressure microphone, and a casing hermetically sealing the sound pressure microphone to prevent communication of air pressure differentials into the sound pressure microphone. The cymbal may be a perforated low volume cymbal. In one embodiment, a method for making a cymbal transducer includes sealing a sound pressure microphone in an airtight enclosure, and configuring the sealed sound pressure microphone for attachment to a cymbal.