Planar Foot Percussion Instrument with Zone-Sensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Solo musicians and small groups face challenges in live performances without a drummer, as conventional electronic drum machines require hand operation and lack flexibility in tempo and rhythm adjustments, and do not allow for simultaneous foot percussion.

Innovation Solution

A planar surfaced electrical musical instrument that supports both feet, using sensors to generate electronic signals from foot impacts, allowing for concurrent or independent foot tapping to produce drum and percussion sounds, with adjustable tempo and rhythm, and enabling spontaneous song selection without hand removal from primary instruments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional electronic drum machines are used, then percussion sounds can be generated, but the musician cannot use feet for percussion while playing hand instruments

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefoot percussion capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The planar surface is divided into multiple sensing zones that can be independently activated by different feet or hand positions, allowing distinct percussion sounds from each zone while maintaining a unified device structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The single planar surface serves multiple functions: it can be struck by either foot or hand, supports multiple percussion patterns simultaneously, and provides both rhythm generation and tempo control through different activation zones

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If recorded drum tracks are used, then percussion can be provided, but tempo and rhythm adjustments are not flexible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetempo adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidperformance adaptability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The device enables dynamic tempo adjustment during performance through real-time sensor feedback that allows the musician to modify rhythm patterns and beat speed spontaneously without pre-programmed limitations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors detect foot strikes and hand positions to provide real-time feedback for generating percussion sounds, allowing instantaneous tempo and rhythm changes based on the musician's live input rather than fixed recordings

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If a planar surface supporting both feet is used, then concurrent foot percussion is enabled, but device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconcurrent foot supportVSAvoidplanar surface area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the planar surface are optimized for specific functions: a central area for standing and foot placement, with extended perimeter zones for lateral foot movements and hand instrument playing space

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Adaptability or versatility

If hand-operated instruments are played, then melodic music can be produced, but percussion accompaniment cannot be provided simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepercussion accompaniment capabilityVSAvoidhands-free percussion operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The device merges hand instrument playing and foot percussion operations into a single integrated system, where the planar surface detects and responds to both hand and foot inputs to generate coordinated melodic and rhythmic outputs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solo musicians to create live percussion accompaniment while playing hand-operated instruments, providing flexibility in tempo and rhythm adjustments, and maintaining balance and comfort during performance.

Implementation Method 1

employable to generate sound, such as drums, using one or a plurality of sensors or electronic signal generating components that generate an electronic signal when one or both feet of the user impact the planar surface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8847057B2Auditory board

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 KOAH JOHN

AI summary

A planar surfaced electrical musical instrument is provided which is configured to support both feet of a user standing upon it during use. Supported by the device, the standing user may generate sound, such as drums, through a contact of one or both feet with the planar upper surface which is in operative contact with electronic signal generating components which generate an electronic signal correlating to vibrations emanating from the contact point of the user's foot with the planar surface.