Laser Trigger for Bass Drum Using Retroreflective Coating
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for recognizing bass drum strokes are prone to insensitivity to weak strokes, false activations, and delay in signal processing, making them unsuitable for live performances where quick and accurate response is critical.
Innovation Solution
A laser trigger device with an enclosure attached to the bass drum rim, featuring a laser beam emitter and photoelectric element, along with a retroreflective coating on the beater head, which processes signals to generate accurate audio frequency signals without requiring retrofitting of the drum, allowing for immediate installation and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional optical pickup solutions are used for keyboard instruments, then key movement can be transformed into sound files, but these solutions require special retrofitting of musical instruments which is difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical sensor installation in the pedal mechanism with an optical detection system. The laser beam emitter and photoelectric element detect the beater's movement through optical means, eliminating the need for mechanical retrofits inside the pedal assembly. This substitution allows for easy attachment to the drum rim without modifying the original mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a retroreflective coating on the beater as an intermediary element. This coating reflects the laser beam back to the photoelectric element, enabling detection without direct mechanical contact or internal sensor installation. The retroreflective coating serves as a passive mediator that facilitates optical detection while maintaining the original mechanical integrity of the beater.
2Reliability
If piezoelectric elements are used in drum triggers, then beat data can be captured, but the signals carry too much unnecessary information from long-standing overhang and acoustic pickups
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts only the essential stroke recognition information by using optical detection of the beater's position and movement. The laser-triggered photoelectric system detects only the moment of stroke initiation and beater velocity, separating this critical information from the unnecessary acoustic overhang and ambient noise that plague piezoelectric sensors. This extraction of essential information eliminates signal contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses periodic laser triggering synchronized with the beater's motion cycle. The laser emits beams at specific intervals corresponding to the beater's swing cycle, capturing stroke information at precise moments when the beater passes through the optical path. This periodic optical sampling provides clean, timely stroke detection without the continuous noise pickup inherent in piezoelectric elements.
3Measurement precision
If sensors are installed directly in the pedal mechanism, then stroke recognition can be achieved, but the pedal mechanism will cease to be original and manufacturer's warranty will be canceled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trigger system into separate components: the optical emitter and photoelectric element are mounted on the drum rim in an external enclosure, while the retroreflective coating is applied separately to the beater. This segmentation allows the detection system to be attached without modifying the pedal mechanism's internal structure, preserving the original integrity of the drum components while achieving accurate stroke detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates an optical copy of the beater's motion rather than measuring it mechanically. The laser beam creates an optical representation of the beater's position and velocity, which is then detected by the photoelectric element. This optical copying method captures stroke information without physical contact or mechanical modification, preserving the original pedal mechanism intact.
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 laser trigger device provides reliable and immediate recognition of bass drum strokes, eliminating insensitivity and delay issues, ensuring accurate and efficient signal processing for live performances and studio recordings.
Implementation Method 1
the retroreflective coating is applied on the pedal beater head to reflect the laser beam in the direction of the photoelectric element at the moment of stroke
Implementation Method 2
the photoelectric element is directed towards the beater, and the retroreflective coating is applied on the pedal beater head to reflect the laser beam in the direction of the photoelectric element
Data Source
AI summary
A laser trigger for a bass drum includes an enclosure attached to a drum rim which contains at least one reader of strokes performed with a foot pedal beater. The stroke reader is directed towards the beater, and has a laser beam emitter and the photoelectric element, whereas the retroreflective coating is applied on the pedal beater to reflect the laser beam in the direction of the photoelectric element at the moment of stroke. The enclosure/housing cavity includes a stroke recognition circuit based on parameters of the electric signal from the photoelectric element connected with the processing circuit that includes an audio frequency electric signal generator, which is connected with the output connector to connect the cable for outputting these signals for further processing and amplification.