Pedal Unit Center of Rotation Adjustment for Grand Piano Feel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pedal units in electronic musical instruments are designed to mimic the upright piano pedal, failing to replicate the operation feeling of grand piano pedals due to differences in pedal structure and center of rotation distance.
Innovation Solution
A pedal unit with a rotatable foot lever, an elastic member, and a sensor system that replicates the grand piano's operation feeling by adjusting the center of rotation and using a guide member to regulate the foot lever's rotation, providing a reaction force and stoppers to define the range of motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the center of rotation is set at a position corresponding to the upright piano pedal, then the pedal unit can be manufactured with conventional designs, but the operation feeling does not match the grand piano pedal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the position parameter of the center of rotation from the conventional upright piano pedal location to a location that replicates the grand piano pedal's rotational characteristics. This parameter change allows the pedal unit to achieve authentic grand piano operation feeling while remaining manufacturable with standard components.
2Length of moving object
If the distance between the center of rotation and the front end of the pedal is increased, then the pedal structure matches upright piano design, but the rotation aspect and operation feeling differ from grand piano
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the length parameter by positioning the center of rotation closer to the front end of the pedal, replicating the grand piano's shorter distance ratio. This creates the characteristic grand piano rotation aspect where the pedal rotates more acutely, providing an authentic operation feeling.
3Ease of manufacture
If the elastic member is positioned to apply force at conventional locations, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the reaction force does not accurately simulate grand piano pedal resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the elastic member at a specific location that applies force to a particular portion of the pedal. This localized force application replicates the grand piano's reaction force characteristics, creating realistic resistance during pedal operation while maintaining manageable assembly complexity.
4Device complexity
If the pedal unit is designed without a guide member, then the structure is simpler, but the foot lever rotation direction is not properly regulated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a guide member as an intermediary component that regulates the foot lever's rotation direction. This mediator ensures stable and controlled rotational movement, preventing lateral deviation while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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 pedal unit effectively mimics the operation feeling of a grand piano pedal, enhancing the user experience by providing a more accurate simulation of the grand piano's pedal movement and reaction forces.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is arranged within the case and applies a force against the first portion
Data Source
AI summary
A pedal unit 10 in one embodiment includes a case 190, a foot lever 100, and an elastic member 155. The foot lever 100 includes a first portion 100r located inside the case 190 and a second portion 100f located outside the case 190. The foot lever 100 is rotatably arranged with respect to the case 190. A center of rotation is located between the first portion 100r and the second portion 100f. The elastic member 155 is arranged within the case 190 and provides a force against the first portion 100r.