Electronic Drum Flexible Membrane Sensor Non-Invasive Trigger
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing conversion kits for acoustic drums to electronic drums require permanent modifications, leading to poor durability, playability, and sound quality, with inconsistent trigger response and inferior sound production.
Innovation Solution
An electronic drum design that maintains the appearance, sound, and feel of acoustic drums without permanent modifications, using a flexible drum shell, a contact microphone supported between the batter and bottom heads, and an acoustic transmission structure to convert mechanical energy into an electrical signal, allowing for adjustable compression and quick signal recovery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conversion kits are used to convert acoustic drums to electronic drums, then electronic drum functionality is achieved, but permanent modifications to the drum shell are required which degrade appearance and reduce durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a flexible membrane that can be adhered to the interior surface of the drum shell without permanent modifications. This membrane serves as the sensing element for electronic trigger detection, eliminating the need to drill holes or make structural changes to the drum shell, thereby preserving both appearance and durability while achieving electronic drum functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion system uses adhesive-mounted components that can be easily removed or replaced without damaging the drum. The flexible membrane and associated electronics are designed as temporary, non-invasive additions that can be applied and removed as needed, avoiding permanent structural modifications.
2Measurement precision
If foam dampening is used in conversion kits, then trigger response is initially improved, but playability quickly deteriorates with use resulting in inconsistent trigger response
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane with specific material properties that maintain consistent mechanical characteristics over time. The membrane's elasticity and tension are carefully controlled to provide reliable trigger response without the degradation issues of foam dampening. The system includes adjustment mechanisms to maintain optimal membrane tension and responsiveness throughout the instrument's lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane is constructed from composite materials that combine the benefits of durability, consistent elastic properties, and responsive trigger detection. These materials resist degradation from moisture, heat, and repeated impact, maintaining consistent playability over time unlike foam-based solutions.
3Extent of automation
If traditional triggers with small sweet spot are used, then electronic detection is achieved, but the acceptable strike area is limited to approximately 2 inches in diameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from point-contact triggers to a distributed flexible membrane sensing surface. By spreading the trigger detection across the entire membrane surface, the system accepts strikes from any location on the drum head, effectively increasing the sweet spot from 2 inches to the full diameter of the drum head while maintaining electronic detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane can be divided into multiple sensing zones or segments, each capable of independent trigger detection. This segmentation allows the system to recognize strikes across the entire drum surface while maintaining precise electronic control and detection capabilities.
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 an electronic drum with the feel and sound of an acoustic drum, eliminating the need for microphones and allowing easy sound adjustments, while maintaining durability and consistent playability by using a flexible support member and contact microphone arrangement that prevents unwanted vibrations and feedback.
Implementation Method 1
a contact microphone that is not directly supported by the drum shell and which is disposed within the drum shell between the batter head and the bottom head
Implementation Method 2
a flexible and resiliently compressible member supported on the bottom head
Implementation Method 3
The acoustic transmission structure and the drive foot are arranged in the percussion instrument so that they are compressed between the batter head and the flexible member with the drive foot positioned over the contact microphone. Force from a strike on the batter head is transmitted from the batter head to the acoustic transmission structure, through the acoustic transmission structure and the drive foot, and from the drive foot to the contact microphone.
Data Source
AI summary
A percussion instrument includes a drum shell, a batter head maintained under tension by a rim secured to the top of the drum shell, a flexible member supported at the bottom end of the drum shell, a contact microphone retained on a central section of the flexible member, an acoustic transmission structure in contact with the batter head, and a drive foot coupled to a lower end of the acoustic transmission structure. The contact microphone can be coupled to the flexible support member with a first double-sided adhesive tape member. A foam cushion disposed between the drive foot and the contact microphone can be coupled to the drive foot on a top side with a second double-sided adhesive tape member and on the opposite bottom side with a third double-sided adhesive member to reduce unwanted microphonics or feedback, and allow rapid reversion of the signal from the contact microphone.