Universal Pickup Transducer Mounting System for String Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electric string instruments are limited in their ability to change the number and type of pickup transducers, making it impractical to adjust or modify the sound configuration without owning multiple instruments, which is expensive and inconvenient for musicians who frequently experiment with different sounds.
Innovation Solution
A universal pickup transducer mounting system that includes a receiving cavity in the instrument body with exchangeable body blocks, allowing for the easy installation and reconfiguration of various pickup transducers and spacer blocks to change the type, number, and positioning of pickup transducers relative to the neck and bridge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional electric string instruments use fixed pickup transducer configurations, then the instrument structure is simple and stable, but the ability to change sound configurations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The instrument body is divided into modular components: a fixed receiving cavity and exchangeable body blocks. Each body block is a self-contained unit that can be independently removed and replaced, allowing musicians to change pickup configurations without modifying the entire instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The receiving cavity is designed with universal dimensions and features that can accommodate multiple types of body blocks with different pickup transducer configurations. This universal interface allows a single receiving cavity to support various sound configurations through interchangeable blocks.
2Adaptability or versatility
If musicians own multiple instruments with different pickup configurations, then sound customization options increase, but cost and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system transitions from a static, fixed configuration to a dynamic, changeable configuration. Body blocks can be easily installed and removed, allowing the pickup configuration to adapt to different musical needs without requiring multiple instruments or complex modification procedures.
3Ease of repair
If pickup transducers are permanently mounted in the instrument body, then manufacturing precision is maintained, but ease of repair and modification deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The receiving cavity is pre-manufactured with precise dimensions, tolerances, and positioning features during instrument production. This preliminary precision work ensures that when body blocks are installed, the pickup transducers are automatically positioned accurately without requiring field modifications or complex alignment procedures.
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 musicians to easily experiment with different sound configurations without the need for multiple instruments, allowing for cost-effective adaptation of pickup transducer setups and improved sound customization.
Implementation Method 1
The most commonly used pickups use the principle of direct electromagnetic induction, although other types, such as piezoelectric, optoelectronic, acoustic, etc. are also in use to produce electrical impulses from the instrument's string vibrations.
Implementation Method 2
The most commonly used pickups use the principle of direct electromagnetic induction, although other types, such as piezoelectric, optoelectronic, acoustic, etc. are also in use to produce electrical impulses from the instrument's string vibrations.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal pickup transducer mounting system for a string instrument having a neck and bridge between which a plurality of strings extend includes a receiving cavity formed in the string instrument's body and a multiplicity of exchangeable body blocks disposed in the receiving cavity and configured for releasable mounting therein. The multiplicity of exchangeable body blocks includes at least one transducer receiving block that has an opening formed therein configured for receiving at least one pickup transducer therein. The at least one transducer receiving block is mountable within the receiving cavity to locate the at least one pickup transducer at a user selected longitudinal position relative to the neck and the bridge.