Stringed Instrument Sensor Assembly With Shielded Toroidal Transformer
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing magnetic pickups for stringed instruments suffer from electromagnetic interference and inefficiencies due to the use of unshielded or non-toroidal transformers, leading to noise in the output signal and reduced sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A toroidal step-up transformer with a ferromagnetic shield and unique magnetic system shape is integrated, enhancing signal amplification and reducing interference, featuring a transformation ratio of 1/5000 to 1/8000, and producing additional harmonics for a richer sound.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a non-toroidal transformer is used in the pickup, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but electromagnetic interference and noise are introduced into the output signal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the toroidal transformer design which naturally contains and directs magnetic flux through its closed loop structure, converting what would be harmful stray magnetic fields into useful amplified signal. The toroidal geometry ensures that magnetic flux is contained within the core, preventing electromagnetic interference with surrounding components while maintaining signal amplification functionality.
2Device complexity
If a U-shaped core configuration is used without full winding coverage, then the device complexity is reduced, but weight and magnetic reluctance increase reducing overall efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the magnetic core into multiple sections with primary and secondary windings distributed across different segments. This segmentation allows the magnetic flux to be divided and guided through multiple paths, reducing magnetic reluctance while maintaining a manageable core structure. The segmented design enables complete winding coverage without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a traditional planar U-shaped core to a three-dimensional toroidal core structure. This dimensional change allows the windings to wrap around the core in multiple directions, achieving complete magnetic coverage and reducing magnetic reluctance while distributing the magnetic flux more evenly throughout the core structure.
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 provides a higher signal-to-noise ratio, cleaner sound across a wide frequency range, and broader tonal versatility compared to traditional pickups, with reduced electromagnetic interference and improved sound fidelity.
Implementation Method 1
at least one magnet generating a magnetic field adjacent to the strings
Implementation Method 2
When a musician plucks a string, the moving magnetic field induces a current in a copper wire
Implementation Method 3
The primary winding is coupled to the secondary winding through a toroidal transformer core. The secondary winding transforms the primary electromagnetic flux into a secondary current
Implementation Method 4
a transformer which is full shielded by ferromagnetic material, leading to a substantial reduction in audio interference
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly for a musical instrument with one or more strings comprising a magnet which generates a magnetic field adjacent to a string, a magnetic conductor which acts on said magnetic field, and a step-up transformer comprising a primary winding and a secondary winding, wherein said secondary winding comprises a metal core in a toroidal shape and conductive wire wrapped radially around said core, such that the magnetic field changes when a user moves a string, inducing a first current in the primary winding and creating an electromagnetic flux through the core to create a second current in the secondary winding; and wherein said second current is passed out of the musical instrument.