Resonator Diaphragm Segmentation for Feedback Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional resonator-type stringed musical instruments struggle to accurately reproduce sound and are prone to feedback issues, especially at higher volumes.

Innovation Solution

A stringed musical instrument design featuring a resonator assembly with a frustoconical diaphragm and a pickup subassembly that includes an elongate piezo-film portion attached to the diaphragm using metallic tape, housed within a solid-body resonance chamber to enhance sound reproduction and reduce feedback.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a conventional resonator-type stringed instrument is used, then the resonator diaphragm can produce sound, but the sound reproduction is inaccurate and feedback problems occur at higher volumes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction accuracyVSAvoidfeedback problems
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator diaphragm is divided into multiple segments (first resonator diaphragm segment and second resonator diaphragm segment) that are coupled together. This segmentation allows each segment to be optimally tuned and positioned to reduce feedback while maintaining accurate sound reproduction across different frequency ranges.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the resonator diaphragm are given different properties - the first segment has specific vibrational characteristics while the second segment has different characteristics. This local differentiation allows optimal performance at various locations on the diaphragm, improving overall sound accuracy while minimizing feedback issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Power

If the resonator diaphragm is made larger to improve sound output, then more sound can be produced, but feedback problems increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound outputVSAvoidfeedback
Core Design Contradiction:
PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The large resonator diaphragm is segmented into multiple sections that can vibrate independently to different degrees. This allows the overall structure to handle high power output requirements while the segmentation prevents the uniform feedback issues that plague large, undivided diaphragms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The segmented resonator diaphragm allows different sections to respond dynamically to varying input levels. At higher volumes, the segmentation enables each segment to manage its own vibrational response, preventing the runaway feedback that occurs in conventional large diaphragms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a complex pickup system is added to improve sound reproduction accuracy, then sound accuracy improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesound reproduction accuracyVSAvoidpickup system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The resonator diaphragm itself serves as the pickup element. The segmented diaphragm structure directly converts vibrational energy into electrical signals without requiring separate complex pickup mechanisms, achieving accurate sound reproduction while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The resonator diaphragm performs multiple functions simultaneously: it produces acoustic sound, acts as the pickup element for electrical signal generation, and provides the structural framework. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex pickup systems while maintaining high sound reproduction accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 design accurately reproduces sound and significantly reduces feedback, allowing for clear sound delivery even at high volumes, effectively addressing the limitations of conventional resonator-type instruments.

Implementation Method 1

an elongate piezo-film portion operatively coupled to the pickup body portion, the elongate piezo-film portion having a first end and a second end, the first end of the elongate piezo-film portion being attached to the pickup body portion and the second end of the elongate piezo-film portion being attached to a side of the resonator diaphragm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS9466276B1Stringed musical instrument having a resonator assembly
Publication Date: 2016.10.11 OLSON STEVEN MARTIN
  • US9466276B1 patent drawing
  • US9466276B1 patent drawing
  • US9466276B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A stringed musical instrument having a resonator assembly is disclosed herein. The stringed musical instrument includes a musical instrument body; a neck having a first end portion and a second end portion, the second end portion of the neck being coupled to the musical instrument body; a plurality of strings extending from the first end portion of the neck to the musical instrument body; and a resonator assembly disposed in the musical instrument body, the resonator assembly including a resonator diaphragm and a pickup subassembly operatively coupled to the resonator diaphragm. The pickup subassembly includes a pickup body portion and an elongate piezo-film portion operatively coupled to the pickup body portion. In one or more embodiments, a first end of the elongate piezo-film portion is attached to the pickup body portion and a second end of the elongate piezo-film portion is attached to a side of the resonator diaphragm.