Dual-Function Plectrum With Rotatable Can Lid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing plectrums either have complex manufacturing processes, suffer from rapid wear or breakage, or lack additional functional capabilities beyond stringed instrument play.
Innovation Solution
A plectrum with a flat sector-shaped member featuring a slotted opening leading into a pivot bearing opening, allowing it to be used as both a musical instrument pick and a rotatable protective cover for beverage cans, manufactured from plastic with varying thickness and hardness for enhanced durability and functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a plectrum has a flat member with variable thickness for playing guitar, then it provides good sound quality, but it lacks additional functional capabilities
Solution Approach 1:
The plectrum is designed to serve dual purposes: as a stringed instrument pick and as a rotatable protective cover for beverage cans. The flat member's sector shape and pivot bearing opening enable it to function as both a musical accessory and a can protector, eliminating the need for separate objects and enhancing versatility without significant structural complexity
2Ease of manufacture
If a plectrum uses a plastic material with metallic insert, then it produces good sound quality and long service life, but manufacture is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by varying the thickness of the plastic flat member across its structure. Different regions have different thicknesses to optimize both acoustic properties for music playing and mechanical strength for durability. This single-material approach with variable parameters simplifies manufacturing compared to multi-material construction while maintaining reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses a composite structure combining plastic material with varying thickness regions to achieve both good sound quality and long service life. The plastic material itself is configured with different thickness zones that provide acoustic optimization and structural reinforcement, eliminating the need for separate metallic inserts while maintaining durability
3Strength
If a plectrum has tooth-like projections for playing strings, then it provides flexible string contact, but the projections can be broken off easily
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating tooth-like projections only in specific regions where string contact is needed, while maintaining a solid, continuous structure in other areas. The projections are integrated into the flat member with varying thickness, providing flexibility at the contact points while maintaining overall structural strength and preventing breakage
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a plectrum (1) comprising a flat member (2) that is generally sector-shaped form a top view and has an inner face (3) and an outer face (4) from a top view, the outer face (4) having a larger peripheral size than the inner face (3). The invention is characterized in that the flat member (2) is a single piece, a slot (5) which extends into an opening (6) for a rotary bearing is provided on the inner face (3), and the flat member (2) simultaneously forms a rotatable protective clip-on-part for open beverage cans (8) or the like.