Segmented Percussion Plate Tuning via Welds
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for additional types of percussion instruments to provide musical artists with greater sound variety, as existing instruments like drums and cymbals offer limited sound options.
Innovation Solution
A unique percussion instrument comprising two spaced-apart planar metal plates with additional metal plates welded at discreet locations to tune the instrument, allowing for varying pitch and range adjustments by changing weld locations, lengths, and plate thickness, producing sounds similar to a cross between a cowbell and a xylophone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional percussion instruments (drums, cymbals, cowbells) are used, then the instrument structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sound variety and pitch range are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument is segmented into two separate planar metal plates (front plate and rear plate) spaced apart from each other, with the front plate containing multiple discrete welds that segment the vibrational modes. This segmentation allows different regions of the front plate to vibrate independently, producing multiple distinct pitches from a single instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the front plate are given different local qualities through strategically placed welds at specific locations (e.g., near corners, along edges). These localized welds create different boundary conditions and vibrational characteristics in different areas of the plate, enabling each region to produce distinct tonal qualities and pitches when struck.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple welds are added to the front plate to create different pitches, then the pitch range and tonal variety increase, but the manufacturing complexity and precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument achieves different pitches by changing the parameter of weld location rather than requiring precise control of weld size or plate thickness throughout. By varying only the positional parameters of the welds on the front plate, multiple distinct pitches can be produced with relatively simple manufacturing tolerances, as each weld location creates a distinct vibrational mode.
3Productivity
If the plates are made thicker to increase volume and sound projection, then the sound output increases, but the weight and difficulty of tuning increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tuning function is extracted from the plate thickness parameter and transferred to the weld location parameter. By keeping the plate thickness constant and instead varying the positions of the welds on the front plate, the instrument achieves different pitches and tonal qualities without needing to adjust plate thickness, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while still providing tuning capability.
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 instrument expands the sound range and dynamics of musical performances by generating multiple pitches and tones when struck with a drumstick, offering versatility as an addition to drum sets or as a standalone instrument.
Implementation Method 1
The additional metal plates are welded to the spaced-apart metal plates at discreet locations to tune the instrument
Implementation Method 2
The instrument comprises two spaced-apart planar metal plates with three of the sides spanning between the plates enclosed by additional metal plates
Implementation Method 3
Varying the locations and lengths of the welds, as well as the thickness of the plate materials, all function to change the pitch and range of pitches produced by the instrument
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a percussion instrument that is struck by a drumstick and generates a sound resembling a cross between a cowbell and a xylophone. The instrument comprises two spaced-apart planar metal plates with three of the sides spanning between the plates enclosed by additional metal plates. The additional metal plates are welded to the spaced-apart metal plates at discreet locations to tune the instrument. An aperture for a tom mount can be defined in one of the planar metal plates. In certain embodiments, the instrument is approximately 30-38 inches long with one end being 6-16 inches across and the opposing end being 2-3 inches across. The spacing between the spaced-apart metal plates in certain embodiments is 1-2.5 inches. Welds in certain embodiments can be arranged to generate a plurality of different pitches, for example, five different pitches.