Polygonal Linkage for Drum Pedals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drum pedal connection mechanisms face issues with loose tolerance, accidental sliding, and limited adjustment precision due to loose-tolerance quick-release mechanisms and ½ inch increment spacing, leading to difficulties in maintaining secure connections and accurate adjustments between drum pedals.
Innovation Solution
A connection apparatus featuring a polygon-shaped channel in the outer tube and a polygonal inner rod with spring-loaded resilient engagement members, providing a tighter tolerance and adjustable detent system that allows precise alignment and secure locking of the inner rod within the outer tube, along with universal joints for flexible coupling with drum pedals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a quick-release mechanism with ball bearings and notches is used to enable easy disengagement, then ease of operation is improved, but loose tolerance between ball bearings and notches causes inadvertent sliding and reduces reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional ball-bearing-and-notch quick-release mechanism with a cam-actuated lever system. The lever engages with a cam surface on the inner rod, providing secure locking through mechanical leverage while allowing easy release through lever actuation. This substitution eliminates the tolerance issues inherent in ball-bearing systems while maintaining quick-release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism transitions between engaged and disengaged states dynamically. When the lever is in the engaged position, it applies continuous mechanical pressure through the cam surface to prevent sliding. When actuated, it quickly transitions to the disengaged state, allowing the inner rod to be removed. This dynamic state change provides both security during operation and ease of release when needed.
2Ease of operation
If ½ inch increment spacing between notches is used to provide adjustment positions, then ease of adjustment is improved, but measurement precision is reduced due to limited adjustment granularity
Solution Approach 1:
The inner rod features multiple circumferential cam surfaces at different positions along its length, allowing the lever to engage at various heights. This enables continuous or near-continuous adjustment of the linkage length rather than discrete ½ inch increments, significantly improving measurement precision while maintaining ease of adjustment through the same lever mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds the dimensional aspect of circumferential cam surfaces distributed along the length of the inner rod. Instead of adjusting only radially through notch selection, the system now allows adjustment along the axial dimension by selecting different cam surface engagement points, providing finer control over the effective linkage length.
3Strength
If bolts are used to secure the inner rod to the outer tube, then strength of connection is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional structures needed to prevent damage and separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of connection, locking, and quick-release into a single integrated lever mechanism. The lever simultaneously provides the securing force equivalent to bolts, the locking function through cam engagement, and the quick-release capability through lever actuation. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate bolts, washers, and protective structures, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The lever mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the securing force to prevent separation, acts as a lock through cam engagement, enables quick-release when actuated, and prevents damage to the inner rod through controlled engagement. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require multiple separate components, reducing device complexity while maintaining or improving connection strength.
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 apparatus ensures secure, adjustable, and precise alignment of drum pedals, preventing inadvertent sliding and enabling fine-tuned adjustments, thus enhancing the reliability and ease of setup for dual drum pedal assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient engagement member that resiliently engages the outer tube with the inner rod and that is manually operable to disengage the outer tube from the inner rod
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for connecting drum pedals for a musical drum set is provided. The apparatus may include an outer tube having a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the outer rod having a polygon-shaped channel extending therethrough, the distal end of the outer tube being coupled with a first drum pedal; an inner rod having a polygonal cross-section, a proximal end and a distal end, the proximal end of the inner rod being slidably received through the polygon-shaped channel at the proximal end of the outer tube, the distal end of the inner rod being coupled with a first drum beater; and a quick-release mechanism coupled to the proximal end of the outer tube configured to releasably engage the outer tube with the inner rod.