Mechanical Jog Wheel Pressure Sensor for Audio Mixing Consoles

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current electronic mixing consoles fail to reliably detect scratching movements on jog wheels, are prone to static interference, and lack the tactile feedback of vinyl turntables, leading to increased complexity and cost due to capacitive detection systems and insufficient compatibility with different jog wheel sizes.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical jog wheel system with a pressure sensor comprising a rigid and deformable part that detects translation movements, allowing for intuitive scratching without static interference, and is compatible with various wheel sizes, using a simple assembly of few parts to mimic the feel of vinyl turntables.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If capacitive electrical detection device is used to detect scratching on jog wheel, then scratching detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to requiring microcontroller

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratching detection capabilityVSAvoidmicrocontroller requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces capacitive electrical detection with a purely mechanical detection system. A movable element is positioned to be engaged by the jog wheel, and its displacement triggers a mechanical switch or contactless sensor. This mechanical approach eliminates the need for complex capacitive sensing circuits and microcontroller support, simplifying the overall device architecture while maintaining reliable scratching detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a movable element as an intermediary between the jog wheel and the detection mechanism. This intermediate component translates the rotational motion of the jog wheel into linear displacement that can be detected by a simple switch or sensor, thereby decoupling the complex rotational detection from the detection mechanism and reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If capacitive detection device is used for scratching detection, then scratching detection is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to static electricity interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescratching detection stabilityVSAvoidstatic electricity interference
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces capacitive electrical detection with a mechanical detection system that uses a movable element and mechanical switch or contactless sensor. This mechanical approach is inherently immune to static electricity interference, as it does not rely on electrical fields or capacitive coupling that are susceptible to electrostatic discharge and noise.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If numerous parts are used in jog wheel pressure detection system, then detection functionality is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates due to complex assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure detection functionalityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple functions into the movable element, which simultaneously serves as the detection target for scratching, the actuator for triggering the switch, and the interface for user interaction. By consolidating these functions into a single integrated component rather than using separate sensors, actuators, and structural elements, the assembly process is significantly simplified.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The movable element is designed to perform multiple functions: it is engaged by the jog wheel during rotation, displaced during scratching operations to trigger detection, and serves as the interface for user pressure input. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each function, reducing part count and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 mechanical jog wheel system provides reliable, precise, and intuitive scratching detection, unaffected by static, with adjustable resistance and compatibility with different wheel sizes, offering a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing solution that enhances user experience.

Implementation Method 1

second means for detecting a movement in translation, along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation, of said plate relatively to said footing, capable of delivering a second signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure sensing:

Implementation Method 2

said second means for detecting comprise at least one pressure sensor delivering said second signal and comprising at least one rigid upper or lower part and one respectively lower or upper part, elastic and deformable along an axis substantially parallel to the axis of rotation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8903111B2Device for controlling at least one audio signal and corresponding electronic mixing console
Publication Date: 2014.12.02 GUILLEMOT CORPORATION
  • US8903111B2 patent drawing
  • US8903111B2 patent drawing
  • US8903111B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device (20) for controlling an audio signal comprising at least: means for commanding, rotationally mobile around an axis of rotation (A) relatively to a footing, first means for detecting a movement in rotation of the commanding means, capable of delivering a first signal, second means for detecting a movement in translation along an axis (z) substantially parallel to the said axis of rotation (A), capable of delivering a second signal. According to the invention, the said second means for detecting comprise at least one pressure sensor (210) delivering said second signal and comprising at least a upper part (210A), a lower part (210C), and a central part (210B) located between the upper part and the lower part, at least one of these parts being rigid, and at least one of these parts being elastic and deformable along an axis substantially parallel to the said axis of rotation (A).