Electromechanical Actuator for Piano Sound Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Acoustic pianos require physical interaction with pedals to modulate sound, which can be challenging for users of different sizes and abilities, and maintenance can be complex due to the reliance on physical pedal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
An electromechanical actuator system connected to a controller that receives user input from external sensors, allowing for modulation of sound attributes without pedal interaction, and enabling flexible and inclusive playing experiences by positioning sensors in various locations and activating them in different ways, while reducing maintenance needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If physical pedal mechanisms are used to modulate sound, then the piano can produce varied audio outputs, but users of different sizes and abilities find it challenging to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical pedal system with an electromechanical actuator system controlled by external sensors. The sensors detect user input through various means (eye tracking, head movement, body posture) and convert it to electrical signals that drive the actuator to move the damper, eliminating the need for physical pedal manipulation while maintaining sound modulation functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces external sensors as intermediaries between the user and the piano's sound modulation mechanism. These sensors act as mediators that detect user actions (visual, auditory, or kinematic) and translate them into control signals for the electromechanical actuator, thereby bridging the gap between user intent and mechanical action without requiring direct physical contact with pedals.
2Adaptability or versatility
If physical pedal mechanisms are used to modulate sound, then the piano can produce varied audio outputs, but maintenance becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical pedal linkage system with an electromechanical actuator driven by electrical signals from external sensors. This substitution eliminates wear-prone mechanical linkages, moving parts, and adjustment mechanisms, thereby significantly reducing maintenance requirements while preserving the piano's ability to modulate sound through damper control.
3Ease of repair
If external sensors and electromechanical actuators are used, then maintenance complexity is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a multi-functional external sensor system that can detect various types of user input (visual, auditory, kinematic) through a single integrated controller. The controller universally handles different sensor types and actuator control functions, consolidating what would otherwise be separate systems into one unified unit, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining ease of maintenance.
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
Enables users to modulate sound produced by the piano without physical interaction with pedals, providing a more flexible and inclusive playing experience and reducing maintenance complexity by using external sensors and electromechanical actuators.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electromechanical actuator configured to be driven to move at least one mechanical control member of the plurality of mechanical control members to modulate the attribute
Data Source
AI summary
An acoustic piano includes strings, a plurality of keys, a plurality of mechanical control members, a foot pedal mechanism kinematically connected to the plurality of mechanical control members, the foot pedal mechanism including a foot pedal configured to be manipulated to modulate an attribute of an audible output of the acoustic piano. The acoustic piano also includes at least one electromechanical actuator configured to be driven to move at least one mechanical control member, and a controller operably connected to the at least one electromechanical actuator. The controller is configured to receive a user-generated sensor signal and, in response to the user-generated sensor signal, generate at least one electrical signal to drive the at least one electromechanical actuator and thereby move the at least one mechanical control member to modulate the attribute.