Removable Magnetic Pickup for Stringed Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pickups for stringed instruments, such as acoustical guitars, require modification of the instrument and are difficult to mount and remove without damaging the guitar, limiting their usability and flexibility.

Innovation Solution

A removable pickup system utilizing a housing with magnetic means that allows for secure attachment and easy removal by creating sufficient magnetic attraction between two distinct magnetic components, enabling the pickup to be positioned and relocated on the instrument without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pickups are mounted using screws or adhesive, then the pickup is securely fixed to the guitar body, but the guitar body requires modification and the pickup becomes difficult to remove without damaging the instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure attachmentVSAvoidease of removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical fastening systems (screws, adhesive) with a magnetic field-based retention system. Magnets embedded in the pickup housing and corresponding magnetic elements in the guitar body create secure attachment through magnetic attraction, while allowing easy removal by overcoming the magnetic force, thus eliminating the need for mechanical modification of the guitar body.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state and properties of the attachment mechanism from permanent mechanical bonding to reversible magnetic attraction. By controlling the strength and polarity of magnetic fields, the system achieves both secure retention during use and easy removal when needed, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the pickup is permanently fixed to the guitar, then it remains stable during use, but the user cannot move or reposition it to optimize sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepickup stabilityVSAvoidrepositioning flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the pickup system from a static, permanent installation to a dynamic, repositionable system. The magnetic attachment allows the pickup to be easily moved to different locations on the guitar body and securely held at each position, enabling users to optimize sound quality while maintaining stability during performance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic retention system serves multiple functions: it secures the pickup during performance, allows easy repositioning for optimization, and can be quickly removed when not in use. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability by providing both secure attachment and movement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If modification of the guitar body is performed to install a pickup, then the pickup can be securely mounted, but the original instrument is damaged or altered

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstrument damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates mechanical modification of the guitar body by replacing screw holes and adhesive applications with magnetic attachment. Magnets can be embedded in the pickup housing and corresponding magnetic elements placed on the guitar body surface without drilling or permanent alteration, thus achieving secure mounting without damaging the instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic field acts as an intermediary between the pickup and the guitar body, providing secure attachment without direct mechanical contact or permanent modification. This intermediary mechanism transfers the retention function from mechanical bonding to magnetic attraction, protecting the guitar body from damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 allows for easy movement and repositioning of the pickup on the instrument without marring, enabling users to find the optimal placement for sound amplification, enhancing user flexibility and sound quality.

Implementation Method 1

the first magnetic means and the second magnetic means provide sufficient magnetic attraction between them to grasp the part to retain the pickup system on the part

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS9058796B2Magnetically mounted pickup for stringed instruments

Publication Date: 2015.06.16 DUNWOODIE DAVID

AI summary

Improved pickups for stringed instruments, such as guitars, ukuleles, banjos and the like. The pickup system includes a housing with a transducer element and a first magnetic means, and a distinct second magnetic means that cooperates with the first magnetic means to grasp a part of the instrument there between and thereby releasably mount the pickup on the instrument. Thus the pickup system can be easily mounted, removed or moved to other locations on the stringed instrument to produce the most desirable effect.