Adjustable Instrument Support Device for Wind Players
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Solution Overview
Problem
Musicians playing wind instruments often suffer from musculoskeletal injuries due to strain on hands, arms, and shoulders, primarily caused by incorrect positioning leading to nerve compression and overuse, resulting in conditions like Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Cubital Tunnel Syndrome, Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Flexor Tenosynovitis, and Tendonitis.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable support device with a hook that engages the bell of the instrument, providing stabilization and adjustable arms for optimal positioning, which can be mounted between the player's legs or on a stand, allowing for customizable support and alignment to reduce strain and facilitate accurate placement of the instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If musicians hold the instrument without support devices, then the instrument can be freely positioned and manipulated, but strain on hands, arms, and shoulders increases leading to musculoskeletal injuries
Solution Approach 1:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the musician's body and the instrument. It provides a mechanical interface that bears the instrument's weight and positions it correctly, eliminating the need for the musician's hands and arms to support the instrument during playing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device counteracts the gravitational force acting on the instrument by providing an upward supporting force. This eliminates the weight burden from the musician's body, preventing strain on hands, arms, and shoulders while allowing free manipulation of the instrument.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support device is used, then instrument stabilization is achieved, but adaptability to different players and instrument positions is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The support device incorporates adjustable components including an adjustable arm with multiple positions, a rotatable joint for angular adjustment, and an adjustable hook position. These dynamic features allow the device to adapt to different musicians' body types, playing styles, and instrument requirements while maintaining stable support during performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The support device is designed with universal adaptability to accommodate various wind instruments with bells and different musician preferences. The combination of adjustable arm positions, rotational capability, and variable hook locations enables a single device to serve multiple functions and adapt to diverse playing scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the instrument is positioned incorrectly, then ease of holding is improved, but nerve compression and hand injuries occur
Solution Approach 1:
The support device performs the positioning action in advance by holding the instrument at the correct position and orientation before the musician begins playing. This preliminary correct positioning prevents nerve compression and hand injuries by ensuring the instrument is properly aligned with the musician's body throughout the performance.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices for players of musical wind instruments with a bell-shaped portion that hold the instrument during play and methods for its use in alleviating strain on the musician and/or assisting the musician with accurate placement of the instrument for optimum playing and/or stabilizing the instrument are provided.