Phantom Powered Pedals Power Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for powering effects pedals, such as batteries and power adapters, are cumbersome, expensive, and pose hazards on stage, while microphones require different phantom power which is not easily integrated with guitar pedals.
Innovation Solution
A system using standard shielded ¼″ tip-ring-sleeve connector cables to supply phantom power through a chain of pedals, with a power supply unit placed near the amplifier, allowing DC voltage to be sent to both phantom and non-phantom powered pedals, eliminating the need for batteries and adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If batteries or power adapters are used to power effects pedals, then the pedals can be powered, but the setup becomes cumbersome, expensive, and creates stage hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines power delivery and audio signal transmission into a single integrated system using TRS cables. The power supply unit integrates with the audio signal path, allowing both functions to be carried simultaneously through the same cable infrastructure, eliminating the need for separate power adapters and batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The TRS cable infrastructure serves multiple functions: it transmits audio signals, delivers phantom power to pedals, and provides a standardized interface that works across different pedal types. This universal system replaces multiple specialized power delivery methods (batteries, wall-warts, microphonelink cables) with a single versatile solution.
2Device complexity
If phantom power is supplied through TRS cables to pedals, then power distribution is simplified and hazards are reduced, but existing pedal connectors must be modified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent leverages the existing TRS connector standard already used in the audio industry for microphone phantom power. By making pedals compatible with this universal connector type, the system can power pedals without requiring custom proprietary connectors, thus reducing manufacturing complexity despite the need for pedal modifications.
3Reliability
If multiple microphones are linked together with phantom power, then they can be powered, but they require different cable types and impedance than guitar cables
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the phantom power delivery system with the existing guitar pedal cable infrastructure. By using TRS cables that carry both audio and power, the system eliminates the need for separate microphonelink cables and impedance matching complexities, allowing guitarists to use their existing cable ecosystem for both instruments and microphones.
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 solution provides a reliable, safe, and efficient power distribution system for effects pedals, reducing stage clutter and hazards, and enabling seamless integration of phantom and non-phantom powered pedals without the need for external power sources.
Implementation Method 1
A tip-ring-sleeve connector cable provides power from the power supply box to a first pedal
Implementation Method 2
use a transformer to convert the voltage to DC, usually 9 volts
Data Source
AI summary
Musical instrument effects pedals are powered from adjacent pedals by providing electrical connectors between adjacent pedals and by providing tip-ring-sleeve jacks in the pedals and three wire connectors with tip-ring-sleeve connectors, which carry sound signals from an instrument through sequential pedals and electrical power in an opposite direction to the pedals.