Insertable Percussion System with Motorized Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional percussion instruments are limited by fixed positions, restricting the variety of sounds and rhythms that can be produced due to spatial constraints and limited instrument arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A system with an inserting and retracting mechanism allows percussion instruments to be moved horizontally using a pedal-connected cable, enabling different instrument arrangements and playing techniques, such as downward and upward strikes, to double the range of drum beats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If percussion instruments are arranged at fixed positions, then the structure is simple and stable, but the variety of sounds and rhythms is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevariety of sounds and rhythmsVSAvoidinstrument arrangement system
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The percussion instrument arrangement transitions from static fixed positions to dynamic movable positions. The inserting/retracting mechanism allows instruments to be moved horizontally between retracted and inserted positions, enabling the arrangement to adapt during performance and produce varied sounds and rhythms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention adds a horizontal movement dimension to the traditional vertical arrangement of percussion instruments. By introducing the inserting/retracting mechanism that moves instruments horizontally, the system creates new spatial relationships and playing possibilities beyond conventional vertical stacking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If more percussion instruments are added to increase sound variety, then the range of sounds expands, but the space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of soundsVSAvoidspace occupied by instruments
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The inserting/retracting mechanism allows percussion instruments to be nested or overlapped in space. Instruments can be positioned in retracted positions where they occupy minimal space, and inserted positions where they become accessible for playing, effectively doubling the usable space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the spatial occupation of instruments by moving them between retracted and inserted positions. This dynamic arrangement allows the same physical space to serve multiple functions at different times, increasing sound variety without proportionally increasing space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If percussion instruments are made movable to enable rearrangement, then the range of drum beats is doubled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverange of drum beatsVSAvoidinserting and retracting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable percussion system is segmented into independent inserting/retracting mechanisms for each instrument or group of instruments. This segmentation allows each mechanism to be controlled independently by separate pedals, enabling flexible rearrangement while keeping each individual mechanism relatively simple and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inserting/retracting mechanism acts as an intermediary between the percussionist's pedal input and the instrument position. This intermediary mechanism translates simple pedal movements into controlled horizontal instrument displacement, doubling the range of drum beats through upward and downward striking techniques.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3435369B1Insertable percussion system
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 GOLD STEVEN
  • EP3435369B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3435369B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3435369B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A drumming system includes a first percussion instrument (3) coupled to an inserting/retracting mechanism (105) for moving the first percussion instrument (3) to a desired position with respect to a second percussion instrument (103). The inserting/retracting mechanism (105) includes a motor, a controller, an input device (125) for receiving an operation instruction and generating an operation signal based on the operation instruction, and a feedback mechanism (133a, 133b) for obtaining position information of the first percussion instrument (3) and generating a feedback signal representative of the position information. The controller is electrically coupled to the input device (125), the motor, and the feedback mechanism (133a, 133b) for actuating the motor based on the operation signal and the feedback signal.