Adjustable Endpin Block for Stringed Instruments

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current endpin support systems for stringed instruments, such as cellos and upright basses, inadequately support the instrument's weight, leading to ergonomic issues, repetitive stress injuries, and difficulties in musical expression due to the need for musicians to hold the instrument at awkward angles, and existing solutions lack adjustability and often risk damaging the instrument during modifications.

Innovation Solution

An adjustable endpin block apparatus that allows for a range of angles and offset positions of the endpin relative to the instrument, reducing the need for irreversible modifications and enabling easy adjustment by musicians, thereby improving weight distribution and reducing the risk of injury and instrument damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the endpin is positioned straight out from the instrument (traditional position), then the instrument structure is simple and stable, but the musician must support more weight and the endpin cannot contact the floor closer to the center of mass

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemusician comfort and weight supportVSAvoidendpin support structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The endpin support structure is divided into separate functional components: the endpin itself, the endpin block (which provides mounting and adjustment mechanisms), and the instrument body. This segmentation allows the complex adjustment functionality to be isolated in the endpin block while keeping the overall instrument structure simple.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The endpin block incorporates adjustable mechanisms that allow the endpin angle and position to be dynamically changed according to the musician's needs. The endpin can be adjusted to various angles within a range, enabling the contact point to be optimized for weight support while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the endpin is fixed at a specific angle (as in angled endpins), then the endpin can be positioned closer to the center of mass, but the endpin cannot be adjusted and may damage the instrument during installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveendpin angle adjustmentVSAvoidinstrument safety and reversibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The endpin block is pre-installed on the instrument with multiple pre-drilled holes at different angles and positions. This preliminary preparation allows the endpin to be quickly adjusted to the optimal angle without requiring complex modifications or risking instrument damage during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows for reversible modification - if the chosen angle or position does not work, the endpin can be removed and repositioned using alternative pre-drilled holes, or the block can be removed entirely without permanent damage to the instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Force

If the endpin is positioned sharply angled under the center of mass, then weight support is improved, but the attachment location requires complex modifications to the instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight bearing capacityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The endpin block serves as an intermediary component between the endpin and the instrument body. It absorbs the complexity of achieving sharp angles and optimal weight distribution, providing a standardized interface that can be installed without complex modifications to the instrument's original structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Force

If the endpin support uses a large reinforcing block, then weight support is improved, but the internal space of the instrument is occupied and the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweight supportVSAvoidinternal space availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Rather than using a large reinforcing block that occupies significant internal space, the endpin block provides localized reinforcement only at the specific mounting point. This concentrated approach delivers sufficient weight support while minimizing intrusion into the instrument's internal volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS20220122568A1Endpin Block Apparatus for Stringed Instruments

Publication Date: 2022.04.21 FELDMAN EMMANUEL SIMON

AI summary

Improved endpin block apparatus for stringed instruments are provided. The endpin block apparatus comprises an endpin support for securing and connecting an endpin to a stringed instrument. The endpin block apparatus may be fixedly attached to the instrument or may be able to rotate about an attachment location, allowing for adjustment of the angle of the instrument relative to the axis defined by the endpin and the musician. The endpin block apparatus provides one or more endpin insertion locations, allowing for one or more angles of the endpin relative to the axis of the instrument, which angle may be adjustable, and may allow for more of the instrument's weight to be borne by the endpin. The adjustable endpin angle and the adjustable endpin block apparatus rotation allow for a greater range of instrument location and angle, and more support of the instrument by the endpin, removing weight from the musician.