Wireless Mouthpiece Hi-Hat Controller Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The foot-actuated operation of traditional hi-hat assemblies limits drummers, preventing simultaneous operation with double bass drum pedals and excluding those with impaired or no leg/foot mobility, as they cannot operate the hi-hat assembly without foot pedal activation.
Innovation Solution
A wireless, mouthpiece-controlled system that uses a pressure sensor and transceiver to actuate a mechanical transducer device, allowing the hi-hat cymbals to be operated by biting down on a mouthpiece, eliminating the need for foot pedal operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If foot pedal operation is used for hi-hat assembly, then the hi-hat can be operated, but the drummer cannot simultaneously operate double bass drum pedal and hi-hat pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal system with an electronic control system. A mouthpiece controller with pressure sensor detects biting force and transmits wireless signals to an actuator that controls the hi-hat cymbals, substituting the mechanical foot-actuated system with an electronic sensing and actuation system that can be operated with the mouth and hand simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a wireless communication system as an intermediary between the mouthpiece controller and the hi-hat actuator. The controller transmits signals wirelessly to the actuator, eliminating the need for direct mechanical connection and enabling remote control that can be combined with other foot-operated instruments.
2Adaptability or versatility
If foot pedal operation is used for hi-hat assembly, then the hi-hat can be operated, but disabled drummers with impaired leg/foot mobility cannot operate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical foot pedal system with an electronic control system. A mouthpiece controller with pressure sensor detects biting force and transmits wireless signals to an actuator that controls the hi-hat cymbals, substituting the mechanical foot-actuated system with an electronic sensing and actuation system that can be operated with the mouth and hand simultaneously.
3Ease of operation
If wireless transceiver and pressure sensor are added to enable mouth control, then foot operation is eliminated, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece controller serves multiple functions: it acts as a control interface for the hi-hat assembly, a wireless communication device, and a pressure sensing system. The actuator also serves dual purposes by replacing both the foot pedal mechanism and providing electronic actuation of the cymbals, reducing overall system complexity through functional consolidation.
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
Enables full control of hi-hat cymbals by biting, allowing drummers to use the foot previously dedicated to the hi-hat pedal for other functions and enabling operation by disabled drummers, while maintaining the functionality of the hi-hat assembly.
Implementation Method 1
a pressure sensor located in the mouthpiece configured to be activated by pressure applied to the mouthpiece when placed in a user's mouth
Data Source
AI summary
A wireless hi-hat cymbal controller is activated by a user's biting action. The controller includes a pressure sensor located in a mouthpiece and operably coupled to a wireless transceiver. An actuator operates in response to a wireless signal received from the controller when the pressure sensor detects that a user is biting down on the mouthpiece.