String Instrument Blend Control for Series Parallel Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current string instrument pickup systems lack a seamless method to switch between parallel and series configurations of pickup transducers while maintaining blend settings, leading to disturbances in sound output and inability to instantly change between different pickup configurations.
Innovation Solution
A blend and configuration control system utilizing a switch and dual potentiometers that allows for reversible switching between parallel and series configurations of pickup transducers, enabling selection of either pickup transducer alone or their blended output, while maintaining the blend setting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a switch is used to change between series and parallel pickup configurations, then the configuration can be changed, but the blend setting is disturbed and must be reset
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit is pre-configured with switchable connections that automatically preserve the blend ratio setting when transitioning between series and parallel pickup configurations. The switch is designed with predetermined connection paths that maintain the potentiometer settings, eliminating the need for manual reset after configuration changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple switches are used to control both configuration switching and blend selection, then all functions can be controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single multi-position switch is designed to perform multiple functions: it simultaneously controls the series/parallel configuration switching and the pickup blend selection. The switch has predetermined positions that correspond to different combinations of configuration and blend settings, allowing one component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate controls.
3Device complexity
If the blend setting is reset when switching configurations, then the switch can be simple, but the sound output is disturbed and requires readjustment
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit incorporates intermediate connection paths and maintaining elements that act as mediators between the switch and the potentiometer settings. These intermediaries ensure that the blend ratio established by the potentiometers is preserved during configuration transitions, maintaining sound output consistency without requiring complex reset prevention mechanisms.
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
Enables musicians to effortlessly switch between series and parallel configurations without disturbing the blend setting, enhancing sound output by adjusting volume and tone, and maintaining hum-cancelling properties.
Implementation Method 1
Electric string instruments, such as electric guitars, electric bases, electric violins, etc., use at least one pickup transducer to convert the vibration of instrument's strings into electrical impulses. The most commonly used pickups use the principle of direct electromagnetic induction.
Implementation Method 2
Humbucker pickups have two coils arranged to be of opposite magnetic and electric polarity so as to produce a differential signal. As ambient electromagnetic noise affects both coils equally and since they are poled oppositely, the noise signals induced in the two coils are cancelled out.
Data Source
AI summary
A blend and configuration control for a string instrument connects to a pair of pickup sensors located on the string instrument and in one arrangement includes a pair of potentiometers mechanically coupled for concurrent mechanical travel to provide individual pickup sensor output selection and parallel blending of the outputs of the two sensors. A switch is also included to immediately and reversibly provide a series configuration of the two pickup sensors. In another arrangement, the blend and configuration control includes a pair of potentiometers mechanically coupled for concurrent mechanical travel to provide individual pickup sensor output selection, a series configuration of the two pickup sensors and series blending of the two pickup sensors.