Electronic Percussion Rim Sensor Vibration Path Inversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronic percussion instruments face difficulties in efficiently transmitting vibration from the rim to the rim sensor due to a longer vibration transmission path and the buffering effect of the rim's elastic material, which results in inefficient detection and a softer striking feel compared to acoustic drums.

Innovation Solution

The design includes a rim sensor positioned on the cylindrical body part with a film part that directly supports the rim, allowing vibrations to be transmitted efficiently through the film part, and a rubber-like elastic rim with a solid form to reduce elastic deformation and enhance striking force transmission, while maintaining a high hardness for durability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the rim cover is fitted to an outer peripheral part that protrudes radially outward from the head support member, then the hoop can be protected from being struck, but the vibration transmission path from the rim cover to the rim sensor becomes longer and vibration transmission efficiency deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of hoopVSAvoidvibration transmission path
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional configuration by positioning the rim on the inner circumferential side of the hoop rather than the outer side. The rim sensor is also repositioned to be supported on the outer circumferential side of the head support member, creating a reversed arrangement that shortens the vibration transmission path while maintaining protection functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the spatial dimension of rim placement from radial outward position to radial inward position relative to the hoop. This dimensional repositioning allows the rim to be closer to the head support member, thereby reducing the vibration transmission distance without compromising the protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If the rim is made with rubber-like elastic material, then the rim can be durable and reduce striking sound, but the elastic material buffers vibration and reduces vibration transmission efficiency to the rim sensor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of rimVSAvoidvibration transmission efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent specifies that the rim be made of rubber-like elastic material with a hardness of 70 degrees or more on the Shore A scale. This parameter change in material hardness allows the rim to maintain durability and protective function while reducing excessive elastic deformation that would buffer vibration, thereby improving vibration transmission efficiency to the sensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the rim sensor is supported on the inner circumferential side of the head support member, then the device structure is simplified, but the vibration transmission path from the rim to the sensor becomes longer and detection precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structureVSAvoidvibration detection precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional sensor positioning by supporting the rim sensor on the outer circumferential side of the head support member rather than the inner circumferential side. This inversion shortens the vibration transmission path from the rim to the sensor, improving vibration detection precision while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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

This configuration enables efficient vibration transmission to the rim sensor, reducing erroneous noise detection and maintaining a realistic striking feel similar to acoustic drums, with improved durability and reduced product size.

Implementation Method 1

a film part that directly supports the rim, allowing vibrations to be transmitted efficiently through the film part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration transmission: Vibration

Implementation Method 2

a rubber-like elastic rim with a solid form to reduce elastic deformation and enhance striking force transmission

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3531414B1Electronic percussion instrument
Publication Date: 2020.10.07 ROLAND CORP
  • EP3531414B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3531414B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3531414B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

There is provided an electronic percussion instrument including: a body part (2) having an opening on at least one end side of the body part (2); a head (3) that covers the opening of the body part (2); a hoop (4) for applying tension to the head (3), a rim (5) which is disposed on an inner circumferential side of the hoop (4) and of which an upper end is positioned above an upper end of the hoop (4) and of which a bottom surface is supported on an edge of the opening of the body part (2) via the head (3); and a rim sensor (S1) that detects vibration generated when the rim (5) is struck and is disposed in the body part (2).