Switched Reversing Pickup Control for Electric Guitars
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Solution Overview
Problem
Electric string instruments face challenges in amplifying signals from magnetic pickup sensors due to insufficient signal strength and ambient electromagnetic interference, which affects the quality of the sound produced.
Innovation Solution
A reversing configuration control system with a multipole switch and a reverse polarity boost circuit is introduced, allowing for selective coupling of pickup sensors in series or parallel configurations, and the option to reverse the polarity of one sensor relative to the other, thereby canceling lower frequencies and enhancing the signal amplitude.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If pickup sensors are wired in parallel, then the brightness of sound is improved, but the output signal level decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a switchable configuration system that allows dynamic changing between series and parallel wiring of pickup sensors. The multipole switch with displaceable contacts enables the user to select different wiring configurations (series, parallel, or single sensor) based on the desired sound characteristics, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
2Power
If pickup sensors are wired in series, then the output signal level is improved, but the sound becomes less bright
Solution Approach 1:
The switchable configuration system allows dynamic changing between series and parallel wiring of pickup sensors. The multipole switch with displaceable contacts enables the user to select different wiring configurations (series, parallel, or single sensor) based on the desired sound characteristics, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
3Loss of information
If reverse polarity configuration is used, then lower frequency cancellation effect is improved, but the signal level from reversed sensor is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pickup sensors with different polarities in a composite configuration. By wiring sensors with opposite polarities in parallel, the system creates a composite structure where the magnetic fields interact to cancel unwanted lower frequency hum and noise, while the multipole switch allows selection of which sensors are active in the composite arrangement.
4Reliability
If multiple pickup sensors are used, then the sound quality and frequency balance are improved, but the susceptibility to ambient electromagnetic interference increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful ambient electromagnetic interference into a beneficial effect by using opposite polarity wiring. The ambient EMI and hum affect both sensors equally, but because the sensors are wired with opposite polarities, the interference signals cancel each other out, while the desired string vibration signals are preserved and enhanced.
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
This solution effectively boosts the signal level and reduces ambient noise, providing a fuller and stronger sound with improved frequency balance, suitable for various musical genres.
Implementation Method 1
a multipole switch providing selective operative coupling of the pair of pickup sensors in various configurations to the output terminals is provided responsive to the position of displaceable contacts of the multipole switch
Implementation Method 2
a reverse polarity boost circuit is provided to permit selective reduction of the effect of the reversed polarity pickup sensor and thereby boost the signal level output by the novel reversing configuration control circuits
Implementation Method 3
Magnetic pickup sensors are pickup coils that use the principle of direct electromagnetic induction
Implementation Method 4
Humbucker pickups have two coils that are arranged with opposite magnetic poling and corresponding oppositely wound coils to produce a differential signal with respect to signals not generated as a result of the magnetic fields of the pickup. Since ambient electromagnetic noise affects both coils equally and since they are oppositely wound, the noise signals induced in the two sensors are canceled out
Data Source
AI summary
A switched reversing configuration control for string instruments connects to a pair of pickup sensors located on an electric string instrument for selectively electrically configuring the pickup sensors between (a) the pair of pickup sensors being coupled with like polarity in one of series or parallel with respect to a pair of output terminals, or (b) effectively coupling only one of the pair of pickup sensors to the output terminals, or (c) the pair of pickup sensors being coupled with opposing polarity in one of series or parallel with respect to the output terminals. An optional reverse polarity passive boost circuit is provided for increasing the output voltage coupled to the output terminals when the pickup sensors are coupled with opposing polarity as compared to the output voltage that would otherwise be provided absent the reverse polarity passive boost circuit.