Electronic Wind Instrument Sensor Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wind musical instruments, particularly those of lower cost, face challenges in ease of use and sound production, leading to quick loss of interest among learners due to the need for precise air pressure calibration, and electronic wind instruments are expensive and inaccessible to most.

Innovation Solution

An electronic wind instrument with sensors and a control unit that detects air pressure and finger positions, allowing for precise sound generation and connectivity with smart devices for enhanced learning and creativity, while being affordable and versatile for various musical applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional wind instruments are used, then the instrument is simple and affordable, but precise air pressure calibration is difficult and sound production is challenging

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of sound productionVSAvoidinstrument construction

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical acoustic system with an electronic system that uses sensors (pressure sensor, flow sensor, microphone) and a processing unit to detect and control sound production. This substitution of mechanical precision requirements with electronic sensing and digital processing resolves the contradiction by making sound production easier through electronic assistance while managing complexity through integrated circuitry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary electronic control system that mediates between the player's breath and the final sound output. The processing unit acts as an intermediary that receives input from multiple sensors and generates control signals to assist sound production, thereby easing the operational difficulty while distributing complexity across multiple manageable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If electronic wind instruments are implemented, then sound production is enhanced and learning is improved, but the instrument becomes expensive and inaccessible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound production qualityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the wind instrument by introducing electronic sensing and control, which improves sound production quality and learning reliability. By using standard electronic components (sensors, microcontrollers, speakers) with well-defined parameters, the system achieves reliable performance while keeping manufacturing costs manageable through the use of off-the-shelf components rather than custom-engineered parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If basic wind instrument design is used, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but versatility and learning engagement are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusical application rangeVSAvoidinstrument structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal electronic control system that can support multiple musical applications and playing styles. The processing unit can generate various types of output signals (tone generation, effect processing, connectivity protocols) that enable the instrument to function as a wind instrument, educational tool, or performance device, thereby increasing versatility without requiring multiple separate instruments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 electronic wind instrument simplifies sound production, boosts learning interest, and offers advanced features like connectivity with smart devices, making it accessible and appealing to a wide range of users from children to professionals, while being cost-effective and versatile for different musical uses.

Implementation Method 1

a pressure sensor, which generates a first electrical signal representative of the pressure of the air within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 2

a flow sensor, which generates a second electrical signal representative of the flow of the air within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAir flow detection:

Implementation Method 3

a microphone sensor, which generates a third electrical signal representative of the sound within the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAcoustic detection:

Implementation Method 4

a group of position sensors, each able to detect the position of a finger of the player on a hole of the body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition detection:

Data Source

PatentUS10818277B1Enhanced electronic musical wind instrument

Publication Date: 2020.10.27 ARTINOISE SRL

AI summary

A musical instrument includes a hollow body with an air inlet to blow air into the body, and an air outlet to allow the air to exit the body. A number of holes are provided which are suitable to be closed by a player. A sensor group includes proximity sensors located near the holes to detect if the holes are closed or open. One control unit is electrically connected to the sensor group, and power supply unit is connected to the sensor group and the control unit to power up the sensor group and the control unit.