Magnetic Key Assembly for Piano-Like Grid Music Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic music generating devices, such as the Ableton Push and Novation Launchpad, lack the playing experience and ergonomic benefits of traditional acoustic instruments like pianos, despite their grid-based note layouts.
Innovation Solution
An electronic music generating device with key assemblies featuring pivotable arms, magnetic position sensors, and integrated biasing members that provide tactile feedback, haptic actuators, and light sources, allowing for enhanced control and feedback mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a grid-based note layout is used in electronic music generating devices, then conceptual and ergonomic benefits are provided, but the playing experience does not rival traditional acoustic instruments like pianos
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the grid-based electronic controller layout with traditional piano key mechanical characteristics. Each key assembly includes a cap, arm, foot, and biasing member that replicate piano key behavior, while maintaining the grid arrangement for electronic music production. This combination provides both the ergonomic benefits of grid layout and the tactile feedback of acoustic instruments.
Solution Approach 2:
The key assemblies incorporate movable parts including pivotable arms and depressible caps that provide dynamic tactile feedback. The biasing members create spring-like resistance that mimics piano key behavior, allowing the keys to move and return dynamically rather than being static buttons. This dynamic behavior enhances the playing experience while maintaining the electronic grid controller form factor.
2Adaptability or versatility
If digital controller hardware design is used, then grid-based note layout is achieved, but tactile feedback and playing experience are insufficient compared to acoustic instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces simple digital button mechanisms with mechanical key assemblies that include caps, arms, feet, and biasing members. These mechanical elements provide tactile feedback similar to acoustic instruments while maintaining compatibility with electronic music generation. The mechanical system substitutes for pure digital control, adding physical sensation without sacrificing grid-based versatility.
3Ease of operation
If traditional piano keyboard design is replicated, then tactile feedback is improved, but the modern electronic music production capabilities are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The key assemblies serve multiple functions: they provide tactile feedback like traditional pianos, generate electronic signals for modern music production, and can be arranged in grid patterns for electronic workflows. Each key assembly is a multi-functional element that bridges acoustic and electronic music traditions, allowing the device to adapt to various playing styles and production needs.
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 offers improved tactile and expressive control, providing a more piano-like playing experience with enhanced visual and haptic feedback, enabling more intuitive and ergonomic music production.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetic position sensor associated with the foot... configured to sense relative movement of the foot in lateral and vertical directions
Data Source
AI summary
An electronic music generating device may include key assemblies. Each key assembly may include a base, an arm having a proximal end pivotably coupled to the base, and a cap carried by a distal end of the arm. Each key assembly may include a foot coupled to a distal end of the arm and extending down to the base in spaced relation from the proximal end of the arm, and a stop member carried by the base and to engage the foot upon movement of the arm to a depressed position. Each key assembly may also include a biasing member coupled to the arm and to engage the base for biasing the arm to an unpressed position, and a magnetic position sensor associated with the foot. A controller may cooperate with each magnetic position sensor to generate a sound based upon a sensed position of each foot.