Dual-Plane Plectrum Bracket Alignment for Simultaneous String Striking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multi-string striking devices for musical instruments disrupt natural grasping and striking techniques due to atypical thickness and alignment issues, requiring musicians to modify their technique and style.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece, hand-held device with a first planar plectrum and a second planar plectrum secured by a bracket, maintaining the grasping and striking surfaces in the same plane, allowing for simultaneous striking of two strings without altering the user's technique.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple striking members are adjoined to strike multiple strings, then the ability to strike multiple strings simultaneously is improved, but the grasping condition becomes unnatural and the thickness/alignment relationship between grasping surface and striking surface deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to strike multiple strings simultaneouslyVSAvoidgrasping condition

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple striking members (first and second planar plectrums) into a single integrated device with a unified grasping surface. The striking members are positioned at different heights but both align with the same grasping plane, merging the functionality of multiple picks into one cohesive tool that maintains natural grasping mechanics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces vertical dimensionality by positioning striking members at different heights (one above the other) while maintaining horizontal alignment with the grasping surface. This allows simultaneous striking of multiple strings without disrupting the planar relationship between the thumb and fingers at the grasping location.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If striking members are not in direct alignment with the grasping member, then multi-string striking capability is achieved, but the linear archetype and alignment between grasping and striking surfaces deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemulti-string striking capabilityVSAvoidalignment between grasping and striking surfaces

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by having different parts of the device serve different functions at different locations. The first planar plectrum is positioned for striking one string while the second planar plectrum is positioned for striking another string, yet both maintain alignment with the single grasping surface, creating localized striking zones that preserve overall linear geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS9972290B1Plectrum with second striking member

Publication Date: 2018.05.15 MASON CHRISTOPHER D

AI summary

A one-piece, hand-held device that enables users to pick, pluck, strum, or strike strings of a musical instrument simultaneously. The device comprises a first planar plectrum having a grasping surface and a striking surface in the same plane and a second planar plectrum secured to the first planar plectrum by a bracket located at the midsection of the first planar plectrum the top of the second planar plectrum, wherein the first planar plectrum is substantially parallel to the second planar plectrum.