Pivoting Haptic Keyboard Controller With Dual Damping Profiles
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing keyboard-type musical devices offer limited functionality and insufficient control for continuous sound manipulation, particularly in reproducing the feel of a piano keyboard and providing adequate aftertouch capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A haptic controller with pivotally mounted actuators and elastically deformable damping elements that provide distinct damping profiles and translational movement, coupled with sensors and signal processing to modulate sound signals based on actuator displacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional piano-type keyboard structure is used, then the device can reproduce the feel of a piano keyboard, but the functionality and control capability are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control by allowing actuators to rotate around a pivot axis, transforming the static piano key structure into a dynamic system with multiple degrees of freedom. This rotation enables continuous variation of sound parameters (pitch, volume, timbre) rather than discrete key presses, significantly enhancing functionality while maintaining a familiar keyboard layout
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a rotational dimension to the traditional linear piano key movement. Instead of only vertical displacement, keys can now rotate around a pivot axis, creating a new control dimension. This dimensional expansion allows for continuous parameter modulation and more expressive control without fundamentally changing the keyboard's physical footprint
2Adaptability or versatility
If damping elements with single profile are used, then the structure is simple, but the control capability for continuous sound manipulation is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element is segmented into multiple functional zones with different damping characteristics. By dividing the damping element into sections with varying stiffness or damping coefficients, the system can provide distinct damping profiles that correspond to different control zones, enabling more nuanced sound parameter manipulation
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the damping element are designed with locally optimized properties. Specific regions have tailored damping characteristics to provide varied resistance sensations at different rotation angles or positions, allowing for expressive control where different key positions or movement ranges produce different tactile feedback and sound parameter changes
3Ease of operation
If actuators are mounted pivotally with rotational movement, then continuous control of sound parameters is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot axis acts as an intermediary mechanism that translates simple rotational input into complex sound parameter modulation. This intermediate mechanical element simplifies the user interface by providing intuitive rotational control while handling the complexity of coordinating multiple sound parameters (pitch, volume, timbre) through the signal processing unit
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkage systems with a simpler pivotal rotation mechanism. Instead of using multiple interconnected levers and springs to achieve continuous control, the design uses a single degree of freedom rotation coupled with electronic signal processing, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining or enhancing control capability
4Adaptability or versatility
If damping elements are made elastically deformable with multiple recesses, then distinct damping profiles are achieved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping element's functional properties are controlled by varying geometric parameters such as recess depth, width, shape, and distribution. By adjusting these dimensional parameters during molding or machining, different damping profiles can be achieved without changing the fundamental component design, allowing for standardized manufacturing processes with parameter-based customization
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
Enables enhanced control over sound parameters with two distinct damping profiles, allowing continuous variation of pitch and volume, and provides force feedback through varied resistance sensations.
Implementation Method 1
said damping elements being elastically deformable between an initial configuration and a final configuration
Implementation Method 2
each damping element being positioned so as to dampen a rotational movement of an actuator around the pivot axis
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a haptic controller (1) comprising: a base (2); a plurality of actuators (3), each actuator (3) being mounted such that it pivots in relation to the base (2) about a pivoting axis (4) perpendicular to the main direction; a plurality of damping elements (5), each one being positioned so as to dampen a rotational movement of an actuator (3), said damping elements (5) being elastically deformable between an initial configuration and an end configuration, each damping element (5) comprising a body (51) consisting of a deformable material, said body (51) having at least one recess (55, 57), characterised in that each of said actuators (3) has a protuberance (315) suitable for coming into contact with the associated damping element (5), each protuberance (315) having a free end (316) defining a contact with the associated damping element (5) in its initial configuration.