Folded Piezoelectric Pickup for Stringed Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current piezoelectric pickups for stringed instruments only contact one wall of the bridge's wing slot, leading to incomplete vibration detection and inadequate simulation of acoustic violin sound, resulting in suboptimal sound quality and fidelity.
Innovation Solution
A folded planar plastic piezoelectric pickup that contacts both walls of the bridge's slot, combined with a 'cell' on the instrument body that simulates acoustic violin vibrations, enhancing sound quality and fidelity by capturing the entire vibrational spectrum and replicating acoustic timbre.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a flat piezoelectric pickup is used in the bridge slot, then the device structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the pickup only contacts one wall of the slot resulting in incomplete vibration detection
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup element is folded back upon itself to create a U-shaped configuration that extends into both walls of the slot. This dimensional transformation from a flat planar structure to a folded three-dimensional structure allows the pickup to contact both upper and lower walls simultaneously, detecting vibrations from both sides of the bridge slot without requiring multiple separate pickup elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric element is folded back upon itself, with one portion nested within or adjacent to another portion, forming a compact U-shaped structure. This nesting allows the pickup to engage both walls of the slot while maintaining a space-efficient design that fits within the bridge slot geometry.
2Measurement precision
If an add-on piezoelectric pickup is disposed on the bridge or body, then the pickup can detect vibrations, but the sound quality and fidelity remain inadequate for simulating acoustic violin
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup element is folded back upon itself to create a U-shaped configuration that extends into both walls of the slot. This dimensional transformation from a flat planar structure to a folded three-dimensional structure allows the pickup to contact both upper and lower walls simultaneously, detecting vibrations from both sides of the bridge slot.
Solution Approach 2:
The cell structure integrates multiple functions: it provides mechanical support, couples the pickup to both bridge walls for enhanced vibration detection, and simulates acoustic violin vibrations. This multi-functional design improves sound fidelity without requiring separate components for each function.
3Measurement precision
If the pickup only contacts one wall of the slot, then the installation is simple, but the vibration detection is incomplete leading to poor sound balance
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup element is folded back upon itself to create a U-shaped configuration that extends into both walls of the slot. This dimensional transformation from a flat planar structure to a folded three-dimensional structure allows the pickup to contact both upper and lower walls simultaneously, detecting vibrations from both sides of the bridge slot.
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 improved sound balance, clarity, and fidelity by engaging both walls of the bridge slot and simulating acoustic violin vibrations, resulting in a fuller tone and more accurate acoustic simulation.
Implementation Method 1
Piezoelectric pickups for use with electric violins and other electric bowed-stringed instruments are another type of pickup which have long been known. These pickups detect physical or mechanical vibrations either directly from the instrument, but usually from the bridge vibrations which are actually sensed. The pickups convert the mechanical vibrations to electric signals.
Data Source
AI summary
In a first aspect hereof the present invention provides an improved piezoelectric pickup which, generally, comprises a folded planar plastic piezoelectric sandwich electrically connected to a coaxial cable which, in turn, is in electrical communication with a jack or the like for connection to a pre-amp, an amplifier or the like. In a further aspect of the present invention there is provided a “cell” which is particularly adapted for use with an electric violin. The “cell” comprises a table which is disposed substantially parallel to the top of the instrument and substantially normal or perpendicular to and in contact with the bridge of the instrument. When used in conjunction with a pickup the cell facilitates simulation of the sound of an acoustic violin.