Hi Hat Controller Magnetic Position Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic hi hat controllers for drum kits face challenges in providing an enlarged opening stroke for improved playability while maintaining player comfort, position detection accuracy, and extending the service life of the detecting apparatus.
Innovation Solution
A hi hat controller using a coil and a metallic core with a magnetic field induction system, where the core is variably positioned within the coil to detect the vertical position of the electronic percussion instrument without direct contact, producing an electrical output signal based on the core's position, and utilizing an active circuit that consumes low power, mimicking a pseudo resistive element for compatibility with sound modules.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a mechanical variable resistance element is used for position detection, then the service life is extended, but the opening stroke is limited and playability is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical variable resistance element with a magnetic field-based detection system using a coil and movable core. This substitution eliminates mechanical contact and wear, extending service life while allowing a larger opening stroke since the magnetic field can detect position over a greater range without physical constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the detection mechanism from electrical resistance variation to magnetic field strength variation. By measuring changes in magnetic field strength as the core moves relative to the coil, the system achieves both extended service life (no mechanical wear) and enlarged opening stroke (magnetic field detects position over larger distances).
2Length of moving object
If a conical compression spring is used to operate the resistive element, then the opening stroke is improved, but the applied force decreases and service life is limited by wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the conical compression spring and mechanical resistive element by using a magnetic field-based detection system. The coil and movable core detect position through magnetic field interactions without mechanical contact, removing wear components while maintaining reliable operation over extended periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and removes the problematic mechanical components (conical compression spring and resistive element) from the system. By taking out these wear-prone elements and replacing them with a contactless magnetic detection system, the patent achieves both improved opening stroke and extended service life.
3Measurement precision
If a mechanical shutter is used to cover the light path, then position detection is achieved, but the maximum opening stroke is limited and accuracy is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical shutter and optical detection system with a magnetic field-based detection system. The coil and movable core provide continuous position detection through magnetic field strength variations, achieving both high accuracy and enlarged opening stroke without the limitations of mechanical shutters.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the magnetic field as an intermediary between the moving core and the detection circuit. This magnetic intermediary allows for accurate, contactless position detection over a large range of motion, overcoming the limitations of mechanical shutters that require direct line-of-sight optical paths.
4Measurement precision
If the hi hat controller is positioned under the top cymbal, then detection is achieved, but the overall height increases and player comfort is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the vertical stacking arrangement of the coil and core but optimizes their dimensions to be more compact. By improving the efficiency of the magnetic field interaction, the system achieves accurate position detection in a more compact vertical footprint, reducing overall height while maintaining detection precision.
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 enables a large opening stroke with enhanced playability, extended service life due to contactless operation, and high accuracy in position detection, with a low power consumption that simplifies connections to sound modules, maintaining a minimal increase in playing surface height.
Implementation Method 1
an electronic circuit constructed for producing alternating electrical current in the coil so as to induce magnetic field in the vicinity thereof
Implementation Method 2
a core, comprising a metallic material, variably positioned in the vicinity of the coil induced with magnetic field, the position of the core relative to the coil is configured to change as the electronic percussion instrument is being operated upward and downward during play
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic hi hat cymbal apparatus for detection of vertical movement, including an electronic percussion instrument, configured to be reversibly attached to a shaft of a stand such that the electronic percussion instrument is movable upward and downward by a foot pedal operating the shaft, and a coil, induced with alternating current so as to produce magnetic field in the vicinity thereof by an electronic circuit which is configured for oscillation, and a core, comprising metallic material, disposed such that it is overlapping with the coil during play. The overlapping portion is configured to vary with the upward and downward movement of the electronic percussion instrument such that eddy currents are formed in the core substantially in the overlapping portion thereof, thereby an output signal which vary in accordance to the overlapping portion can be formed by the electronic circuit.