Flexible Guitar Strap End Piece for Secure Button Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional guitar strap connectors fail due to reduced stiffness over time, leading to potential damage to instruments, and existing solutions either require separate connectors for different button styles or use bulky blocking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The development of end pieces with a body featuring a first aperture, multiple flexible projection elements, and a second aperture separated by catch elements, which securely attach to a coupling element like a guitar button and include a linking member for strap connection, providing a secure and adjustable attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If conventional strap connectors rely on material stiffness to prevent slipping, then the connector can maintain a simple structure, but the connector fails under heavy or repeated use when stiffness lessens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical state parameter from rigid to flexible by using a flexible material for the connector body. This flexible material can deform to accommodate button movement and then return to its original shape, providing continuous retention force without relying on material stiffness degradation resistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure that can adapt its shape during operation. The flexible material allows the connector to move with the button and maintain engagement through elastic deformation rather than rigid constraint.
2Reliability
If connectors use blocking mechanisms to prevent button sliding, then the connector can secure the button firmly, but the connector becomes bulky and unattractive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible material that forms a thin, conforming connector body rather than a bulky rigid structure. The flexible nature allows the connector to wrap around and secure the button through elastic deformation, providing firm retention without excessive thickness or bulk.
3Reliability
If connectors are designed for specific button styles, then the connector can provide secure attachment, but users must purchase separate connectors for each button style
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is designed with universal adaptability through its flexible material properties that allow it to accommodate multiple button styles and sizes. The same flexible connector body can deform to fit different button configurations, eliminating the need for style-specific connectors.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible material parameter allows the connector to change its physical configuration to match different button styles. The material's elasticity enables the connector to adapt its shape and dimensions to various button types while maintaining secure attachment.
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
The end pieces provide a secure, adjustable, and durable attachment of guitar straps to buttons, preventing accidental disengagement and damage to the instrument, while being adaptable to various button styles without the need for multiple connectors or bulky mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The body can include a first aperture with multiple flexible projection elements and a second aperture. In some examples, the first aperture and the second aperture can be separated by one or more catch elements
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally pertains to various end pieces for releasably securing to a coupling element. In at least one example, the end piece may be used for releasably securing a guitar strap to a coupling element on a guitar. In various examples, the end piece can include a body having a first surface opposite a body having a second surface, a first aperture defining a first aperture opening communicating between the body first and second surfaces, and a plurality of resiliently flexible projection elements extending radially inward and spaced apart relation from the first aperture.