Musical Instrument Sound Modification Accessory
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current solutions for modifying the sound of acoustic musical instruments electronically are often expensive, complex, and require external power sources, making them bulky, difficult to transport, and challenging to use.
Innovation Solution
A compact, portable accessory that modifies sound output by using an electromechanical actuator and sound sensor, integrated with a controller and fastener, allowing for effects like delay, reverb, and distortion without external amplification, and is easily attachable to various instruments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electronic sound modification is implemented using traditional solutions, then sound modification capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sound sensor, actuator, controller, and power source into a single integrated accessory unit that attaches to the musical instrument. This merging of previously separate components (pickup, effects processor, amplifier) into one compact device reduces the number of parts, simplifies operation, and eliminates the need for multiple external devices while maintaining full sound modification capability
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is designed to provide multiple functions within a single device: it captures sound vibrations, processes them through various effects (delay, reverb, distortion, etc.), and plays them back through the instrument's body. This multi-functional design replaces the need for separate pickup, effects pedals, and amplifier, reducing complexity while enhancing versatility
2Power
If traditional electronic amplification systems are used, then sound output is improved, but weight and portability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the musical instrument's own body as the amplification medium. The actuator vibrates the instrument body, which naturally amplifies and projects the sound. This eliminates the need for heavy external amplifiers and loudspeakers, significantly reducing weight while maintaining adequate sound output through the instrument's inherent acoustic properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical/electronic amplification system (amplifier and loudspeaker) with an electromechanical actuator that directly vibrates the instrument body. This substitution uses the instrument's own structure as the amplification element, reducing the need for heavy external equipment while maintaining sound output capability
3Reliability
If external power sources are used, then operational reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The power source (rechargeable battery) is integrated into the accessory unit itself, combining the power supply with the electronic components in a single portable package. This eliminates the need for external power sources, wall outlets, or complex power management, allowing the device to be simply attached to the instrument and operated autonomously
Solution Approach 2:
The accessory is designed to be self-contained with an internal rechargeable battery that provides autonomous operation. The device requires no external power connection, setup, or management - it simply attaches to the instrument and operates independently, greatly simplifying ease of operation while maintaining reliable power supply
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 easy, efficient sound modification with a lightweight, battery-powered device that can be easily attached to instruments, providing a range of audio effects while minimizing feedback and not requiring external power or extensive knowledge to operate.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator for deforming the body of the musical instrument so as to modify the sound output of the musical instrument
Data Source
AI summary
An accessory for modifying sound output of a musical instrument. The body of the instrument has a soundboard. The accessory includes a sound sensor, an actuator, a fastener, and a controller. The sound sensor engages the body and senses vibration of the body representing the sound output of the musical instrument. The actuator engages the soundboard and deforms the soundboard of the musical instrument so as to modify the sound output of the musical instrument. The sound sensor is preferably arranged distally to the actuator. The fastener engages the accessory to the musical instrument, to locate the actuator against the soundboard of the musical instrument. The controller is connected to the actuator and the sound sensor for receiving and analysing the sound output sensed by the sound sensor, and controlling the actuator in dependence on the sound output sensed by the sound sensor.