Piezoelectric Pickup Vibration Distribution for Contrabass Sound
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pickup apparatuses for string instruments, particularly contrabass, face challenges in capturing low-pitched sounds effectively, often resulting in insufficient sound pressure and altered sound quality when using piezoelectric elements, and existing methods can damage the instrument or fail to provide balanced sound volumes during ensemble performances.
Innovation Solution
A pickup apparatus configured with a disc-shaped piezoelectric element supported by circular members with protrusions and leg portions, allowing the element to vibrate freely and evenly, reducing the risk of damage and enhancing sound capture by distributing vibration forces across the piezoelectric material layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the piezoelectric element is pinned at multiple points to the bridge or body, then the pickup apparatus is securely fixed, but the vibration of the piezoelectric element is restricted and sound quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The fixation structure is segmented into two distinct functional zones: a first fixation portion that secures the piezoelectric element firmly to the bridge, and a second fixation portion that attaches the bridge assembly to the body. This segmentation allows differential vibration characteristics in different regions, enabling secure fixation while preserving vibration freedom where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
Different fixation strengths are applied to different parts of the piezoelectric element. The central region is fixed to the bridge to ensure stability, while peripheral regions are left free to vibrate. This local differentiation of fixation quality optimizes both reliability and sound generation.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If the piezoelectric element is made larger to capture low-pitched sounds, then sound pressure improves, but the element becomes more susceptible to damage from excessive vibration
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element is designed with dynamic fixation characteristics - firmly fixed at the center to the bridge for stability, while the edges remain free to vibrate dynamically. This dynamic fixation pattern allows the element to handle large vibrations from low-pitched sounds without damage, while maintaining structural integrity.
3Strength
If adhesive is applied extensively to fix the piezoelectric element, then fixation strength improves, but the element's ability to vibrate freely deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Adhesive is applied locally only to the first fixation portion where the piezoelectric element contacts the bridge, rather than extensively across the entire element. This localized adhesive application provides sufficient fixation strength while leaving the majority of the element free to vibrate without restriction.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If the pickup apparatus is designed to capture all frequency ranges, then sound quality improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric element itself serves multiple functions: it acts as both the vibration-sensing element and the sound generation element. The natural vibration characteristics of the element, combined with its piezoelectric properties, enable it to capture and convert a wide frequency range without requiring additional complex components or structures.
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 solution significantly improves sound quality by allowing the piezoelectric element to vibrate in a way that captures the full range of sounds, including low-pitched frequencies, without damaging the instrument, and provides balanced sound volumes when used in ensemble settings.
Implementation Method 1
a pickup apparatus using a piezoelectric element (which is called a 'piezoelectric device' in some cases) in the pickup apparatuses (which will hereinafter be simply termed 'pickups'), for musical instruments, configured to convert sounds of acoustic string instruments
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a pickup apparatus for a musical instrument, configured to improve sound quality of a musical instrument to a greatest possible degree, obtained by a piezoelectric element. The pickup apparatus, for the musical instrument, to be fixed to the musical instrument, includes: a disc-shaped piezoelectric element; a couple of circular members receiving interposition of the piezoelectric element therebetween; and leg portions being arranged on a surface of any one of the couple of circular members, each circular member having protrusions formed protrusively toward the other circular member in two positions along a peripheral edge of an opposite surface in a face-to-face relationship with the other circular member, the piezoelectric element being supported within an air gap formed by the protrusions between the couple of circular members in a state of the piezoelectric element being interposed between the protrusions possessed by the respective circular wood members.