Removable Electronic Drum Head Integrating Acoustic and Digital Functionality

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Solution Overview

Problem

Acoustic drum kits are large, loud, and limited in sound variety, making them space-intensive and difficult to record, while electronic drum kits offer more versatility but require additional space and cannot produce conventional acoustic percussion sounds.

Innovation Solution

A removable electronic drum head that attaches to existing acoustic drums, using piezo sensors and membrane switches to detect strikes, minimizing acoustic noise and allowing for a wide range of sounds without needing a separate electronic kit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a stand-alone electronic drum kit is used, then sound versatility and recording ease are improved, but floor space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesound versatilityVSAvoidfloor space

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the electronic drum module with the acoustic drum by attaching it to the acoustic drum's rim. This integration allows the drummer to use a single drum unit that combines both acoustic and electronic functionality, eliminating the need for separate kits and reducing floor space requirements while maintaining sound versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic drum head is designed to function as both an acoustic drum replacement and an electronic drum. It can produce a wide range of electronic sounds through integrated sensors and sound generation capabilities, while also being compatible with acoustic drum hardware, making it a universal solution that serves multiple functions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an acoustic drum kit is used, then conventional acoustic percussion sounds are produced, but recording difficulty and noise level increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveacoustic percussion capabilityVSAvoidacoustic noise

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the acoustic drum head with an electronic drum head that uses piezoelectric sensors and membrane switches to detect strikes. This substitution eliminates the need for acoustic resonance and reduces noise levels while maintaining the ability to produce conventional percussion sounds through electronic synthesis.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electronic drum head acts as an intermediary between the drumstick strike and the sound output. Instead of directly producing acoustic sounds, it detects the mechanical impact and converts it into electronic signals that can be processed into various sound outputs, including muted acoustic-like sounds and electronic variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If a separate electronic drum kit is used, then recording ease and sound variety are improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improverecording efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the electronic drum module with the acoustic drum hardware, creating a single integrated unit. This merging reduces system complexity by eliminating the need for separate electronic drum kits, microphones, and recording equipment, while maintaining direct recording capability through the electronic drum's built-in 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

Conserves space by integrating electronic drum functionality into acoustic kits, reducing noise, and enabling direct recording of diverse sounds without a microphone.

Implementation Method 1

The drum head includes a sensor, such as a piezo sensor or membrane switch, to detect when the drum head is struck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The drum head includes a sensor, such as a piezo sensor or membrane switch, to detect when the drum head is struck

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoresistive effect: Piezoresistive Effect

Data Source

PatentUS8039724B1Removable electronic drum head for an acoustic drum

Publication Date: 2011.10.18 INMUSIC BRANDS INC

AI summary

A removable electronic drum head for an acoustic drum is disclosed. The electronic drum head includes an elastic strike layer, a rigid plate centered below the elastic strike layer. A first sensor is attached to a bottom surface of the rigid plate. A structural body supports the elastic strike layer, rigid plate and first sensor. The structural body is further adapted to attach to an acoustic drum. Other optional foam layers may be included above and below the rigid plate.