Instrument Pedal Device with Shaft Alignment and Buffer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Instrument pedal devices generate striking sounds and shocks when operating, causing issues in silent environments.

Innovation Solution

An instrument pedal device with a base, pedal, rotation part, connection part, and biasing member, where the second, third, and fourth shafts are in the same plane at the lowermost position, and a pedal sensor detects the operation state through elastic deformation, reducing kinetic energy and preventing striking sounds and shocks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a striking part strikes a struck part when a pedal is operated, then the instrument can produce sound, but striking sounds and shock are generated causing problems in silent environments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound damping performanceVSAvoidstriking sound and shock
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a buffer component positioned between the pedal and the struck part that absorbs shock and dampens sound before the striking action occurs. This cushioning element is integrated into the pedal mechanism to prevent direct hard contact, thereby reducing harmful sounds and vibrations while still allowing the instrument to function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs an intermediary buffer component as a mediator between the pedal (striking mechanism) and the struck part. This intermediary element transfers the striking force in a controlled manner, reducing the impact shock and minimizing the generation of unwanted striking sounds while maintaining the functional relationship between the pedal and the struck part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If a pedal sensor is positioned to detect pedal operation, then operation state can be detected, but erroneous detection may occur due to shock and vibration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepedal operation detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection reliability under shock
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The buffer component is positioned to cushion the pedal before it completes its full stroke, thereby reducing shock and vibration that would otherwise interfere with the pedal sensor's detection function. This allows the sensor to accurately detect pedal operation without erroneous readings caused by impact forces.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffer component serves as an intermediary that isolates the pedal sensor from the harsh mechanical environment of direct striking. By absorbing and dampening shock forces, the buffer creates a more stable detection environment for the sensor, improving both measurement precision and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 device effectively dampens sound and shock, improving sound damping performance and accurately detecting pedal operations without erroneous detection.

Implementation Method 1

Rotation of the pedal to the lowermost position from a state in which a pressing force from the pedal is applied to the pedal sensor is allowed according to elastic deformation of an elastic body

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a biasing member that applies an urging force to the pedal that has rotated from the initial position to return to the initial position, wherein the urging force of the biasing member becomes larger as the pedal becomes closer to the lowermost position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3407343B1Instrument pedal device
Publication Date: 2021.07.07 ROLAND CORP
  • EP3407343B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3407343B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3407343B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Provided is an instrument pedal device that can be quieter when operated. According to the present invention, a pedal (30) is rotatably supported on a base part (20) by a first shaft (11). A rotation part (40) is rotatably supported on the base part (20) by a second shaft (12). A connection part (50) is rotatably supported on the pedal (30) by a third shaft (13). The connection part (50) is rotatably supported on the rotation part (40) by a fourth shaft (14). Urging force that is for making the pedal (30), as rotated from an initial position, return to the initial position is applied by a spring (60). The pedal (30) can rotate from the initial position to a lowermost position in which the second shaft (12), the third shaft (13), and the fourth shaft (14) are in the same plane. The urging force of the spring (60) increases the closer the pedal (30) gets to the lowermost position.