Adjustable Footboard Hinge with Spherical Bearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional foot pedal systems experience looseness and noise due to friction issues between moving parts, leading to potential power loss during performance, and require improved engagement and adjustability to accommodate different foot sizes and enhance responsiveness.

Innovation Solution

A foot pedal apparatus with an elongated footboard and a changeable heel plate, utilizing a spherical bearing assembly and adjustable hinge system to compensate for misalignment, allowing for adjustable length and reduced friction, thereby enhancing the pedal's feel and performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If gaps are formed in the nylon bush to reduce friction resistance, then the axle can rotate more freely, but looseness or play is created in the footboard during operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverotation speed of axleVSAvoidstability of footboard connection

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spherical bearing assembly with a spherical outer surface that fits into a corresponding spherical recess in the heel plate. This spherical geometry allows the axle to rotate freely while maintaining constant contact and eliminating gaps, thus resolving the contradiction between rotation speed and connection stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the footboard length is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different foot sizes or adjust leverage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability to foot sizes and leverageVSAvoidcomplexity of adjustable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The footboard is divided into multiple sections with adjustable segments that can be repositioned along the length of the footboard. This segmentation allows users to adjust the footboard length and leverage points to accommodate different foot sizes and playing styles, while keeping the overall structure relatively simple through modular design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The footboard incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the length and leverage points to be changed during use or setup. This enables the pedal to adapt to different drummers' needs without requiring a completely different pedal for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If nylon bushes are used to reduce friction, then the footboard can pivot freely, but noise and power loss occur due to looseness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of footboard pivotingVSAvoidnoise and power loss from looseness

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the nylon bush friction-based pivot system with a spherical bearing assembly that utilizes ball elements to reduce friction. This mechanical substitution eliminates the looseness and noise associated with nylon bushes while maintaining smooth pivoting motion, thereby removing the harmful noise and power loss effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 responsiveness, reduced noise, and adaptability to different foot sizes by minimizing friction and allowing for customizable leverage, resulting in enhanced performance and feel for drummers.

Implementation Method 1

A spherical bearing assembly passes through the hinge shaft and improves the function of the pedal assembly by compensating for a slightly misaligned axle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS7626107B1Connection system between footboard and heel plate of a foot pedal system

Publication Date: 2009.12.01 PEARL MUSICAL INSTRUMENT CO

AI summary

A foot pedal apparatus for operating a musical instrument, comprising an elongated footboard including a hinge plate fixed to the rear portion of the footboard and a stationary heel plate with a front portion. A hinge assembly couples the hinge plate at the footboard rear portion to the heel plate front portion and enables the footboard to pivot relative to the heel plate, wherein the hinge plate may be fixed at different positions on the footboard to adjust a length of the footboard relative to the axle. A portion of the heel plate may be repositioned between the hinge shaft and the footboard to define the extended footboard. As a result, the torque provided by the footboard can be adjusted to adjust the feel of the pedal and to accommodate feet of different sizes. Additionally, spherical bearings on the hinge shaft improve the function of the pedal assembly by compensating for a slightly misaligned axle.