Shapeable Instrument Saddle with Independent Transducers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stringed instrument pickup systems face challenges with feedback sensitivity, complex installation, and negative impact on acoustic tonality due to mechanical isolation of strings from the soundboard, leading to undesirable sound alterations and structural integrity issues.
Innovation Solution
A novel pickup system integrating piezoelectric transducers within a laminate structure instrument saddle, capable of sensing string vibrational energy in both vertical and lateral directions, with removable cables for simple installation and maintenance, and designed to maintain consistent output characteristics without altering the instrument's acoustic properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple transducers are located separately within the instrument structure to mitigate feedback, then feedback sensitivity is reduced, but device complexity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transducers (first and second transducers) into a single integrated pickup assembly that is installed as one unit within the instrument saddle. This merging approach maintains the feedback-mitigation capability of having separate transducer outputs while eliminating the installation complexity of individually locating and wiring multiple separate transducers throughout the instrument structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The pickup assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it captures string vibrations through multiple transducers for feedback mitigation, provides separate electrical outputs for signal processing, and integrates into the instrument saddle structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components and simplifies the overall system while achieving feedback reduction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If transducers are mechanically isolated from the soundboard to reduce feedback, then feedback sensitivity decreases, but acoustic tonality is negatively affected
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup assembly is segmented into electrically independent transducers that are mechanically mounted to the saddle but electrically isolated from each other. This segmentation allows each transducer to capture vibration information independently for feedback reduction while the saddle itself remains mechanically connected to the soundboard for natural acoustic transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument saddle acts as an intermediary structure between the strings and the soundboard. The transducers are mounted to the saddle to sense vibrations, while the saddle maintains its mechanical connection to the soundboard for acoustic energy transfer. This intermediary arrangement allows feedback mitigation through the transducers without compromising the natural acoustic coupling between strings and soundboard.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If individual saddles with transducers are used per string to capture multidirectional energy, then feedback sensitivity is reduced, but ease of manufacture decreases due to complex installation
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using individual saddles for each string, the patent merges multiple transducers into a single integrated pickup assembly that fits into one saddle location. This consolidation maintains the feedback-mitigation benefits of multiple transducers while dramatically simplifying installation, as the entire assembly is installed as one unit rather than requiring separate installation for each string.
4Power
If pressure is applied to drive piezoelectric bender with greater central mass, then transducer output is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates due to susceptibility to lateral forces
Solution Approach 1:
The pickup assembly uses a laminate structure combining different materials (such as fiberglass or aluminum layers) to create a rigid yet resilient mounting structure. This composite construction provides adequate support for the transducers to capture vibrations effectively while distributing lateral forces across the entire assembly, preventing connection point failure that would occur with localized mass concentration.
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 effectively mitigates feedback sensitivity while preserving the natural acoustic sound and structural integrity of the instrument, providing consistent output characteristics and easy installation, addressing the limitations of previous designs.
Implementation Method 1
A novel pickup system integrating piezoelectric transducers within a laminate structure instrument saddle, capable of sensing string vibrational energy in both vertical and lateral directions
Data Source
AI summary
A stringed musical instrument saddle containing a plurality of electrically independent transducers and associated electrical conditioning components where each transducer is located within the saddle such that it is sensitive to the vibratory energy of a corresponding string or course and senses the vibratory energy in both vertical and horizontal modes. The saddle contains at least one multi-conductor connector which connects to a removable multi-conductor cable to convey the transducer signals out of the saddle to external receiving electronics. The saddle is constructed of workable materials such that its top and bottom can be fit to a particular instrument by a technician.