Drum Restraint Device Using Strap and Seat Coupling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Percussive musical instruments, such as drum sets, tend to move away from the player due to the motion caused by foot pedals, requiring a restraint system to maintain their position and allow for individualized placement.

Innovation Solution

A drum retaining apparatus comprising a strapping member with a coupling plate attached to the bass drum rim and a coupler for releasable attachment to a chair or stool, along with a drum pedal assembly that includes a support plate, hinged pedal, and biasing hammer, all connected via a strap member to secure the instruments in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If foot pedals are arranged at an angle to the floor, then the instruments can be operated effectively, but the instruments creep or travel away from the player

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefoot pedal operationVSAvoidinstrument position
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent the drum from moving away from the player. The strap member extends from the drum assembly to the seat, creating a preliminary restraint that counteracts the outward force generated by foot pedal operation before the drum can creep away.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The strap member acts as an intermediary element connecting the drum assembly to the seat. This intermediary component transfers the restraint force from the seat to the drum, preventing the drum from moving away from the player while allowing the foot pedal to operate effectively at an angle.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If instruments are restrained to prevent movement, then their position is maintained, but the restraint system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument positionVSAvoidrestraint system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The restraint system is segmented into distinct functional components: a strap member for connecting, a coupling plate for attaching to the drum assembly, and a coupler for securing to the seat. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system while maintaining effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling plate serves multiple functions: it attaches to the drum assembly, provides a mounting point for the strap member, and can be configured to work with different drum sizes and types. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized components, simplifying the restraint system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Stability of the object's composition

If instruments are anchored to the floor, then they are securely positioned, but the floor is damaged or modifications are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument positionVSAvoidfloor damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The seat acts as an intermediary anchoring point instead of the floor. The strap member extends from the drum assembly to the seat, allowing the drum to be restrained without directly contacting or damaging the floor. This intermediary approach secures the instrument while preserving the floor surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring function is extracted from the floor and transferred to the seat. By removing the direct floor-contact requirement and using the seat as the anchoring point, the system achieves secure instrument positioning without causing floor damage or requiring modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS9053687B1Drum restraint device
Publication Date: 2015.06.09 BENSON GARY
  • US9053687B1 patent drawing
  • US9053687B1 patent drawing
  • US9053687B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A bass drum is precluded from progressive movement from the hammer or bass drum beater impact by a strap connecting it to the drummer's seat. The strap is preferably connected to the foot pedal by a coupling plate that is seated there under or forms part of the foot pedal base.