Dual-Planar Chord Display with Locking Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for teaching and displaying chords on stringed instruments are limited, as they hide parts of the fretboard and only show fingering positions for a single chord in a single key or root note, making it difficult to visualize and play multiple chords simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A dual-planar member system where one planar member represents the frets and notes of a stringed instrument, and the second planar member displays fingering positions for multiple chords in a selected musical scale, with a root note marker allowing alignment and locking to show positions for multiple chords based on a selected root note.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If movable slides or cards are used to display chord fingering positions, then the device can indicate which strings are held and which finger to use, but portions of the simulated stringboard or chords are hidden behind the movable slides or cards and the finger designations are not visible
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple separate planar members, each displaying specific chord information for different positions. This segmentation allows all information to be visible simultaneously without overlapping, as each member can be positioned independently to show its designated chord without blocking other chords.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple planar members are arranged in a spatial distribution that utilizes two-dimensional space rather than stacking them vertically. This dimensional arrangement allows users to view multiple chords simultaneously across different spatial locations, eliminating the occlusion problem while maintaining clear visibility of all finger designations and chord information.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a single planar member displays only one chord at a time, then the information is clear and visible, but the display is limited to a single chord in a single key or root note
Solution Approach 1:
The chord display function is segmented across multiple independent planar members, where each member is dedicated to displaying a specific chord or set of chords. This allows the device to show multiple chords simultaneously without information overlap, as each segmented member presents its content in full view.
Solution Approach 2:
Each planar member is designed to be versatile, capable of displaying various chords and root notes depending on its configuration. The collection of planar members together provides universal coverage for multiple keys and chord types, allowing the device to adapt to different musical contexts while maintaining clear visibility of all information.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple second planar members are added to display additional chords, then the display capability for multiple chords is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the chord display across multiple planar members, each handling a specific portion of the musical scale or chord set. This segmentation allows for modular addition of members as needed, where each member can be independently manufactured and then assembled into the complete display system.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple second planar members can be attached to one another in a nested or layered configuration, where each member builds upon the previous one to expand the display capability. This nested arrangement allows for systematic expansion of the device to cover more chords and keys while maintaining a structured and organized physical layout.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides a device and method for displaying chords in a musical scale based upon one or more selected root notes. The device includes planar members representing a fretboard of a stringed instrument and fingering positions for playing chords in a selected root note in a selected musical scale. The planar members are adapted to be connected to one another and permit multiple chords in multiple root notes to be displayed simultaneously in an easy to understand format.