Interchangeable Microphone Preamplifier Cartridge With Universal Gain Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional audio preamplifiers require multiple devices and frequent connector disconnections to change between different preamplification technologies, lacking a generic system to control various preamplifier technologies with a single gain selector.

Innovation Solution

An audio preamplifier design with a removable cartridge that houses the preamplification circuit, allowing easy swapping without changing the chassis or disconnecting connectors, using a generic chassis with a gain selector to control multiple preamplification technologies through a network of resistors and analog switches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional audio preamplifiers use fixed mechanical chassis with specific preamplification circuits, then each device provides stable and reliable preamplification, but changing between different preamplification technologies requires buying multiple devices and disconnecting/reconnecting connectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to use multiple preamplification technologiesVSAvoidnumber of devices and connectors

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The preamplifier system is divided into two independent parts: a fixed chassis containing control electronics and a removable cartridge containing the preamplification circuit. This segmentation allows the cartridge to be easily swapped between different technologies while the chassis remains stable, eliminating the need to disconnect connectors when changing preamplification types.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis is designed with a universal receiving compartment and control panel that can accommodate multiple types of cartridges with different preamplification technologies. The gain selector and control elements on the chassis work universally across all cartridge types, allowing one chassis to perform multiple functions with different preamplification technologies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If each preamplification circuit has its own specific gain selector, then the gain control is optimized for that specific technology, but controlling multiple preamplifier technologies requires multiple gain selectors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol of multiple preamplifier technologiesVSAvoidgain selection operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The gain selector is implemented as a universal control element on the chassis that works with all cartridge types. The control panel includes a single gain selector that can control multiple preamplifier technologies through the universal interface, eliminating the need for multiple gain selectors while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chassis acts as an intermediary between the user and the various preamplification circuits. The control panel with its universal gain selector mediates the control signals to the appropriate cartridges, allowing the user to control multiple technologies through a single interface without direct connection to each specific circuit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional preamplifiers integrate the preamplification circuit into the chassis, then the device structure is simple, but changing the preamplification circuit requires changing the entire chassis

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpreamplification circuit interchangeability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The preamplifier is segmented into a fixed chassis and a removable cartridge. The cartridge contains the preamplification circuit and can be independently manufactured and replaced. This segmentation maintains a simple overall device structure while enabling easy interchangeability of preamplification circuits through cartridge replacement rather than chassis replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic modular design. The cartridge can be dynamically removed and replaced in the receiving compartment of the chassis, allowing the preamplification circuit to be changed without altering the basic device structure. The mechanical interface enables quick swapping while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12057815B2Interchangeable cartridge audio preamplifier for microphone, and kit comprising the same

Publication Date: 2024.08.06 ELDORA PROD

AI summary

An audio preamplifier (1) for a microphone, including: a chassis (2) with at least one audio input (17) and at least one audio output, a control panel (3) including a gain selector (10) being arranged on one of the sides of the chassis (2), the chassis (2) further including a receiving compartment inside which a first connector is arranged; and a cartridge (6) comprising a preamplification circuit and a gain control circuit, the cartridge (6) further having a second connector complementary to the first connector, the cartridge (6) being configured for being inserted in a removable manner into the receiving compartment of the chassis (2) so as to connect the first and second connectors. An audio preamplification kit includes an audio preamplifier (1) and a plurality of additional cartridges.