Outdoor Percussion Instruments with Elastomeric Spacers
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing outdoor instruments are often atonal and not designed to withstand extreme outdoor conditions, limiting their durability and musical accuracy.
Innovation Solution
The development of percussion instruments with metal discs tuned to specific musical notes, secured to a support post and mounting base with elastomeric spacers, and designed to endure various environmental conditions, featuring a durable and ergonomic design that maintains tonal quality and allows for sustained notes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional instruments are used in outdoor environments, then they can provide musical function, but they cannot withstand extreme outdoor conditions and lose durability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters of the instrument components by using metal discs instead of traditional wooden or plastic materials, and elastomeric spacers instead of conventional mounting materials. These parameter changes enable the instrument to withstand outdoor environmental conditions including moisture, temperature variations, and physical impact, thereby resolving the contradiction between maintaining musical function and improving durability in outdoor environments.
2Reliability
If outdoor instruments are designed for durability, then they can withstand environmental conditions, but they become atonal and lose musical accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining metal discs for tonal accuracy with elastomeric spacers and weather-resistant mounting components for durability. The metal discs are precisely tuned to produce accurate musical notes, while the elastomeric spacers provide shock absorption and environmental protection. This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials that simultaneously achieve both tonal precision and outdoor durability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If metal discs are secured tightly to mounting base, then structural stability is improved, but tonal quality and sustained notes are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces elastomeric spacers as intermediary elements between the metal discs and the mounting base. These spacers serve as a mediator that provides structural stability through secure mounting while simultaneously allowing the metal discs to vibrate freely for sustained notes. The elastomeric material absorbs mounting stresses without transmitting them to the vibrating discs, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and tonal quality.
4Adaptability or versatility
If instruments are designed for outdoor use, then they can be installed in various locations, but they require complex mounting structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting system into separate functional components: a mounting base for structural attachment, elastomeric spacers for environmental protection and vibration isolation, and fastening mechanisms for secure installation. This segmented approach allows the instrument to be adapted to various outdoor locations while keeping each component relatively simple in design, resolving the contradiction between installation versatility and structural complexity.
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 instruments provide accurate, sustained musical notes that can withstand outdoor environments, promoting ease of play and enjoyment while maintaining tonal quality and durability, suitable for both individual and group play.
Implementation Method 1
one or more elastomeric spacers, each elastomeric spacer surrounding one of the one or more fasteners. In some embodiments, the elastomeric spacers may span or substantially span between the metal disc and the mounting base
Implementation Method 2
at least one metal disc tuned to produce a musical note when struck by a user
Implementation Method 3
each metal disc being independently tuned to produce a distinct musical note
Data Source
AI summary
Percussion instruments configured for outdoor installation are disclosed. The percussion instrument comprises a support post, wherein the support post is configured for attachment to an outdoor surface, a mounting base secured to the support post, one or more metal discs, wherein each metal disc is tuned to produce a note on a musical scale when struck by a user, and one or more fasteners securing the one or more metal discs to the mounting base.