Wireless Footswitch Controller for Electric Stringed Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wireless effect pedals for electric stringed musical instruments directly alter the input signal, limiting their functionality and versatility, as they do not allow for independent control of sound effects without physically manipulating the pedal or knob.
Innovation Solution
The development of footswitch controllers that transmit wireless signals to the instrument, using Bluetooth protocol, allowing for remote control of sound effects without altering the input signal, enabling multiple functions and configurations through a unique ID system and motorized movement for preset positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wireless effect pedals directly alter the input signal, then sound effects can be generated, but functionality and versatility are limited due to inability to independently control sound effects
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the sound effect generation into two independent parts: the footswitch controller handles user input and wireless communication, while the electric stringed musical instrument handles signal processing. This separation allows the controller to be simple and versatile without requiring complex signal processing circuitry in the pedal itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces wireless communication (Bluetooth) as an intermediary between the footswitch controller and the musical instrument. This intermediary enables independent control of sound effects parameters without direct physical connection or complex internal signal processing in the pedal, thereby increasing versatility while maintaining simple device architecture.
2Ease of operation
If a large treadle potentiometer is used for manipulation, then sound alteration can be controlled, but the device becomes physically cumbersome and less versatile
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional large mechanical treadle potentiometer with electronic footswitches that send wireless signals. This substitution eliminates the need for large mechanical components while maintaining full control capability over sound effects parameters through digital wireless communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The footswitch controller is designed with multiple footswitches that can control various sound effect parameters (volume, wah-wah, rotary speaker, etc.). This multi-functional design provides ease of operation for multiple controls in a single compact device, replacing what would traditionally require multiple large mechanical components.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sound effects are integrated in one pedal, then versatility increases, but power consumption and wireless performance may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power-intensive signal processing functions from the footswitch controller and places them in the electric stringed musical instrument. The controller only handles low-power functions: detecting footswitch presses, wireless communication, and sending control signals. This extraction allows multiple sound effects to be controlled without proportionally increasing power consumption in the controller.
Data Source
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AI summary
A footswitch controller for an electric stringed musical instrument is provided. In one embodiment, the footswitch controller comprises a foot pedal assembly, base assembly, bottom plate assembly, battery pocket assembly, and compound assembly. The footswitch controller does not directly alter the input sound, but upon activation by a user sends a signal to the digital signal processor within the electric stringed musical instrument to alter the sound.