Cajon Widening Bodies for Ergonomic Playing Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional cajons are uncomfortable to play for extended periods due to the seated position required to reach the playing surface, and they lack optimal sound production, with sound openings often located at the rear, which can hinder performance.
Innovation Solution
The cajon design features widening bodies on the lateral sides, forming a horizontal playing surface that can be comfortably played from above, with a resilient support plate for stability and a snare device on one widening body for varied sound effects, along with a bass amplification tube in the front side wall for enhanced sound quality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the playing surface is located at the front side as in traditional cajons, then the instrument maintains a simple cuboid structure, but the playing position becomes uncomfortable for long-term use
Solution Approach 1:
The cajon is divided into a base body and separate widening bodies that are detachably connected. The widening bodies extend the upper side of the base body to create an enlarged playing surface that projects forward, allowing the player to comfortably reach the playing surface without excessive forward bending while maintaining a manageable overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The playing surface is extended in the lateral direction through the widening bodies rather than simply increasing the front-to-back depth. This dimensional approach creates a larger playing area that is more accessible to the player while keeping the instrument's depth reasonable for portability and stability.
2Ease of operation
If the cajon is made higher in a truncated pyramid shape like conga cajons, then the playing surface becomes more accessible, but the instrument loses compactness and ease of transport
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the overall height of the cajon, the playing surface is extended horizontally through detachable widening bodies. This segmentation allows the playing surface to be enlarged without increasing the instrument's vertical dimension, maintaining compactness and ease of transport while improving accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from vertical expansion (increasing height) to horizontal expansion (lateral widening) to achieve the same goal of improving playing surface accessibility. The widening bodies extend the upper side laterally, creating a larger playing area without increasing the instrument's height or overall volume.
3Reliability
If sound openings are placed at the rear of the cajon, then the front remains intact as a playing surface, but the sound production quality is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The cajon is segmented into a base body and detachable widening bodies. Sound openings can be incorporated in the widening bodies or base body without compromising the structural integrity of the front playing surface. The segmentation allows strategic placement of sound openings in locations that optimize sound projection while maintaining the continuity of the playing surface.
4Device complexity
If the cajon uses a simple cuboid design, then the structure remains simple and economical, but the playing position requires excessive forward bending
Solution Approach 1:
The simple cuboid base body is maintained for structural simplicity, but detachable widening bodies are added to extend the playing surface forward. This segmentation allows the instrument to retain its simple, economical construction while improving ergonomics through the extended playing surface that reduces the need for excessive forward bending.
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 design improves ergonomics and sound variability, allowing for comfortable, long-term play with enhanced bass sound production and varied sound effects without increasing the instrument's size or complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The lower sides of the widening bodies are provided with a resilient, adhesion-promoting support plate
Data Source
AI summary
A cajon includes a box-like base body with a lower side, a front, a rear and two mutually remote lateral side walls and an upper side, as well as a playing surface. The base body is provided at the top on the two lateral side walls with widening bodies, which widen the upper side in the lateral direction. The playing surface is formed by the thus widened upper side of the base body lying horizontally in the playing position.