Magnetic Drum Trigger Mounting for Reduced Head Stress

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drum triggers face issues such as stress on drum heads, mechanical failure, double triggering, and installation complexity due to their design, which affects tonal quality and durability, and often require modification of the drum or frequent re-adjustment.

Innovation Solution

A drum trigger system that magnetically secures to the drum head or shell, using rare-earth magnets and a piezoelectric transducer protected by a silicone buffer, allowing it to flex and maintain constant contact without additional mechanical stress, thereby improving accuracy and durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a tension arm is used to mount the trigger on the drum rim, then the trigger can be positioned near the rim, but this puts stress on the drum head causing deformation and affecting tonal quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger positioningVSAvoiddrum head stress and deformation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical tension arm mounting system with a magnetic mounting system. The trigger is held in position by magnetic attraction between magnets in the trigger and the drum rim, eliminating the need for mechanical tension that deforms the drum head. This substitution maintains positioning capability while removing the harmful mechanical stress on the drum head.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces magnets as an intermediary force to hold the trigger in position. Instead of direct mechanical contact through a tension arm, the magnetic field acts as an intermediary that provides holding force without physical deformation of the drum head, thus resolving the contradiction between positioning and drum head integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a tension arm applies pressure to keep the trigger in contact with the drum head, then constant contact is achieved, but this mechanical stress causes the trigger to fail

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetrigger contact consistencyVSAvoidtrigger mechanical durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical pressure application system with a magnetic attraction system. The magnets provide a gentle holding force that maintains trigger proximity to the drum head without the excessive mechanical stress that causes trigger failure. This substitution improves reliability while preserving trigger strength and durability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Ease of manufacture

If the trigger is mounted using a lug or clamp mechanism, then installation is simplified, but the trigger location is limited to positions near the rim

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidtrigger position flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic mounting system provides universal positioning capability, allowing the trigger to be placed at any location on the drum where magnetic attraction can be established. This eliminates the position limitations of lug or clamp mechanisms while maintaining installation simplicity, thus achieving both ease of manufacture and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Measurement precision

If the trigger is in direct contact with the drum head, then accurate sound capture is achieved, but the piezoelectric transducer degrades quickly due to high stress

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound capture accuracyVSAvoidtransducer lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a silicone buffer as a cushioning layer between the piezoelectric transducer and the drum head. This buffer protects the transducer from high-stress direct contact while maintaining adequate coupling for accurate sound capture. The cushioning effect extends transducer lifespan without sacrificing measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses a composite mounting structure combining magnets, silicone buffer, and piezoelectric transducer. The silicone buffer material provides both mechanical protection and acoustic coupling, creating a composite system that achieves both durability and sound capture accuracy simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

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 system provides accurate sound capture, reduces instances of double triggering and velocity gaps, and simplifies installation and configuration, ensuring consistent performance across various drum types without modifying the instrument.

Implementation Method 1

a magnetically secured instrument trigger

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

using rare-earth magnets and a piezoelectric transducer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS10706829B2Magnetically secured instrument trigger and instrument trigger mounting systems and methods

Publication Date: 2020.07.07 RARE EARTH DYNAMICS INC

AI summary

An apparatus, system, and method for a magnetically and releasably attachable trigger for an instrument is provided. Additionally, the trigger provides for an increased sensitivity of sound by being in direct physical contact with the surface on which it is attached.