SOUNDBRENNER
PROTOTYPING ● MECHANICAL DESIGN ● INTERDISCIPLINARY TEAMWORK ● TESTING ● RESEARCH
More details on skills
A wearable and digitally programmable metronome for musicians
2 month project at Soundbrenner, Summer 2017, Hong Kong
Worked in a startup environment in an interdisciplinary team of engineers


CONTEXT
Rhythm is crucial to musical practice. The Soundbrenner Pulse is a wearable that provides musicians with customisable tempos tapped directly onto the top face or programmed through the app. Multiple players can also sync their devices to practice together.

Wrap around effect
Soundbrenner worn over the chest

Soundbrenner worn on the wrist

Tapping the face to set the rhythm

Programming rhythm via Soundbrenner's app
RESEARCH
The Soundbrenner Pulse produces rhythm through haptic feedback. Strong haptic feedback is critical for louder musical environments or for instruments that produce more vibration when played. I was tasked with optimising the design of the Soundbrenner Pulse to increase vibration strength. I conducted extensive research on increasing vibration strength ranging from component configuration to material changes.

PROTOTYPING
I tested several methods of optimising vibration strength. Various ERM vibration motors and component configurations were tested. Structural components such as the device casing and the vibration motor housing were 3D printed using fused deposition and stereolithography.

Wrap around effect
Soundbrenner worn over the chest

Soundbrenner worn on the wrist
TESTING
I designed a test jig to assess the relative vibration strength of each prototype. The frame was 3D printed and connected to rubber bands to allow the prototype to vibrate freely in space. An accelerometer was secured to the top of each prototype to detect the vibration strength.

Wrap around effect
Soundbrenner worn over the chest

Soundbrenner worn on the wrist