Electronic Cymbal Sensor Array for Accurate Strike Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic cymbals have limited sensor coverage, leading to restricted playable areas and inaccurate detection of striking techniques, which compromises the playability and realism of electronic drum kits compared to acoustic cymbals.
Innovation Solution
The electronic cymbal design incorporates multiple piezo and locational sensors evenly distributed around the 360-degree surface, with sensors placed at different angles to enhance sensitivity and accuracy, allowing for a wider range of playing styles and techniques to be detected without mechanical restrictions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a limited number of sensors are used in electronic cymbals, then device complexity is reduced, but the playable area and detection accuracy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The cymbal playing surface is segmented into multiple detection zones by distributing numerous sensors across the entire surface. This segmentation allows each sensor to cover a specific area, collectively providing comprehensive coverage of the whole cymbal surface, thereby resolving the contradiction between limited sensor quantity and the need for wide playable area with high detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional single-point or limited-zone sensor placement to a two-dimensional array of sensors distributed across the entire cymbal surface. This dimensional expansion enables detection of strikes from any location and angle, dramatically improving measurement precision without requiring a proportional increase in device complexity through sophisticated individual sensor designs.
2Ease of operation
If locational sensors are placed underneath a thick rubber layer, then the playing surface comfort is improved, but the sensor activation sensitivity to angled strikes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different rubber thicknesses at different locations on the cymbal surface. Areas with sensors have thinner rubber layers to ensure proper sensor activation and detection accuracy, while other areas maintain thicker rubber for comfort. This localized variation in rubber quality resolves the contradiction between playing surface comfort and strike detection accuracy by optimizing each area for its specific function.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameter of rubber thickness in response to the underlying sensor locations. By adjusting the rubber layer thickness parameter locally where sensors are positioned, the system maintains both comfort (through adequate rubber coverage) and sensitivity (through reduced thickness at sensor points), thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and measurement precision.
3Measurement precision
If the cymbal is mechanically restricted to prevent rotation, then sensor coverage is optimized for the player side, but the natural playing freedom and realism are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal sensor distribution pattern that covers the entire cymbal surface regardless of orientation. By placing sensors all around the circumference rather than concentrating them on one side, the system becomes adaptable to any mounting position and playing style, eliminating the need for mechanical restrictions and thereby resolving the contradiction between sensor coverage optimization and mounting flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric sensor placement strategies in specific zones while maintaining overall symmetric coverage. This allows optimization for common playing techniques while preserving natural cymbal movement and mounting flexibility, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and adaptability by using asymmetric design only where necessary for detection accuracy.
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
This design provides a more realistic and sensitive playing experience, accurately detecting strikes regardless of angle or position, closely mimicking the feel and response of acoustic cymbals, while allowing the cymbal to be mounted freely and responding to various playing techniques with precision.
Implementation Method 1
The electronic cymbal design incorporates multiple piezo and locational sensors evenly distributed around the 360-degree surface
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic cymbal for use with an electronic drum module includes two edge sensors, each disposed at a different angle, and aligned with a striking surface of the electronic cymbal perimeter edge, allowing the cymbal to be placed at any height and/or left/right position in the drum kit while still responsive to any striking technique or striking angle with sensitivity and accuracy. In addition, the cymbal striking surface is form fitted over cymbal frame, thereby minimizing the amount of striking surface material needed and allowing the cymbal frame and striking surface much more closely resemble the contours of a real acoustic cymbal.