Modular Pedalboard Power Distribution for Rapid Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pedal management systems require numerous cables, are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, and are costly, making them inefficient for musicians who need quick setup and reconfiguration.
Innovation Solution
A modular pedalboard system with a single circuit and dynamic power distribution that allows pedals to be easily attached, removed, and rearranged using a pin and socket module, reducing the need for additional wiring and enabling quick assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple pedals are connected using traditional instrument cables, then each pedal can be independently controlled, but the number of cables and wiring increases quickly making the system complicated and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate cable connections into a single integrated cable system. The power distribution board with multiple output ports and the corresponding input ports on pedals allow multiple pedals to be connected through one main cable infrastructure, reducing the total number of cables needed while maintaining independent control of each pedal.
Solution Approach 2:
The power distribution board serves multiple functions: it distributes power to multiple pedals simultaneously, provides individual control signals to each pedal, and manages the cable infrastructure centrally. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, reducing overall system complexity.
2Reliability
If pedals are mounted to pedalboard using hook and loop fasteners or screws, then pedals can be securely attached, but assembling and disassembling the pedalboard takes hours reducing playing time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pedalboard into modular sections with standardized connection interfaces. Each pedal or group of pedals can be independently attached or removed from specific zones on the pedalboard without affecting other sections, enabling quick reconfiguration while maintaining secure attachment through the standardized mechanical interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment system transitions from static permanent mounting (screws) or simple flexible mounting (hook and loop) to a dynamic quick-connect system. The standardized interfaces allow pedals to be rapidly mounted and removed multiple times without degradation, providing both security and ease of reconfiguration.
3Productivity
If a pedalboard is used to organize pedals, then setup and teardown time is reduced, but assembling the pedalboard itself takes hours and reconfiguration still requires significant time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates pre-wired connection points and pre-configured power distribution zones on the pedalboard before pedals are attached. This preliminary preparation of the infrastructure allows pedals to be quickly connected without requiring assembly of complex wiring during setup, significantly reducing both initial assembly time and subsequent reconfiguration time.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a pedalboard system for musical instruments. The pedalboard consists of a main board comprising a main board base and a cover, and a plurality of pedal bases. The main board base contains a power supply which distributes power throughout a circuit comprising of female connection parts that extend into a plurality of openings in the mainboard cover. The openings act as pedal base attachment regions where, at each, a female connection part is accessible. The number of pedal attachment regions corresponds to the maximum number of pedals that can attach to the pedalboard. Each pedal base has a male connection part extending from the underside of the pedal base that allows it to attach to the female connection part on the mainboard base through the pedal attachment region on the main board cover. Each pedal base also comprises a pair of connection cables on the top side extending from the wire housing that enables the pedal base to connect to inputs and outputs of a musical pedal. When a pedal attaches to a pedal base, and the pedal base connects to the main board, the pedal is incorporated into the circuit of the main board. The pedalboard system enables pedals to easily detach, attach, and rearrange across the pedalboard to meet the user's needs.