Multi Layer Drumhead Non-Concentric Inner Layer Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for reducing and controlling overtones on bass drum heads, such as felt strips and plastic rings, are difficult to install, adjust, and often result in excessive damping or inadequate control over damping levels.
Innovation Solution
A multi-layer drumhead with an integrated damping strip made of the same material as the drumhead, such as Mylar/plastic film, which can be adjusted in position and thickness to provide customizable damping levels, and can be combined with additional damping materials for varied responses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If felt strips are used to dampen drumhead overtones, then damping effect is achieved, but installation difficulty and inability to adjust damping levels increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping strip is integrated directly into the drumhead structure by laminating it between the inner and outer drumhead layers. This merging eliminates the need for separate installation of felt strips, as the damping function is now built-in and cannot shift or fall out during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping strip is pre-positioned and secured within the drumhead construction during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures the damping element is correctly positioned before the drumhead is assembled, eliminating installation challenges and ensuring consistent damping performance.
2Reliability
If plastic rings are used to dampen drumhead overtones, then damping effect is achieved, but adaptability to adjust damping levels is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The damping strip can be positioned at specific radial locations and width dimensions to create localized damping zones. By varying the strip's position, width, and material properties, different damping levels can be achieved at different areas of the drumhead, providing adaptability while maintaining effective damping.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping characteristics can be adjusted by changing parameters such as the damping strip's width, radial position, thickness, and material composition. These parameter variations allow customization of damping levels to suit different playing preferences and drum types.
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 solution allows for efficient and adjustable damping of the drumhead, eliminating installation challenges and providing a range of damping options while maintaining the drumhead's appearance and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
The disclosed apparatus provides an effect and adjustable method of damping a drumhead
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is a multi-layer drumhead with non-concentric inner layer. The drumhead in one form comprising: a flesh hoop; an inner layer of material affixed to the flesh hoop; an outer layer of material affixed to the inner layer adjacent the flesh hoop and not affixed to the inner layer; a plurality of surfaces defining cutouts in the inner layer. In one example the cutouts form a lateral dampening strip across the inner layer. The device in one example further comprising dampening materials removably positioned between the outer layer and the lateral dampening strip.