Adjustable Foot Switch Retainer for Stable Musical Stand Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Foot-controlled switches for musical instruments often move or slide during use due to insufficient friction with the floor, requiring manual repositioning, which is inconvenient and can damage the floor or footwear.

Innovation Solution

A stabilizing apparatus with an elongate shaft and retainer that attaches to a musical equipment stand, providing a stable retaining area for the foot-controlled switch, adjustable in length to fit various stand dimensions, and featuring a locking mechanism to secure the switch in place.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the foot-controlled switch is placed directly on the floor, then it is easily accessible and simple to use, but it moves or slides during use due to insufficient friction

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveAccessibility of foot-controlled switchVSAvoidPosition stability of foot-controlled switch

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a floor mat as an intermediary element between the foot-controlled switch and the floor. The mat provides enhanced friction and grip to prevent the switch from sliding during use, while maintaining the switch's accessibility and ease of operation. The mat acts as a mediator that solves the stability problem without interfering with the switch's functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If heavy objects or adhesive are used to prevent movement, then position stability is improved, but damage to floor and footwear occurs and setup time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePosition stability of foot-controlled switchVSAvoidDamage to floor and footwear

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The floor mat is designed as a temporary, removable solution rather than a permanent modification to the floor. It provides the necessary stability during use but can be easily removed without causing damage to the floor or footwear, unlike heavy objects or adhesive solutions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Stability of the object's composition

If adhesive or mechanical means are used to secure the switch, then position stability is improved, but ease of setup and teardown deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovePosition stability of foot-controlled switchVSAvoidSetup and teardown time

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The solution separates the stabilizing function from the floor surface by using a removable floor mat. This segmentation allows the mat to be quickly deployed and removed without time-consuming adhesive application or mechanical fastening, reducing setup and teardown time while maintaining position stability during use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS12592214B2Foot controlled switch stabilizing apparatus

Publication Date: 2026.03.31 MCGEE JAMES CHARLES

AI summary

A stabilizing apparatus for a foot-controlled switch configured to control a musical instrument includes: an elongate shaft having an adjustable length, the elongate shaft extending from a first end to a second end. The first end is configured to engage with a first portion of a base of a musical equipment stand, and the second end is configured to engage with a second portion of the base of the musical equipment stand. The stabilizing apparatus also includes a retainer defining a retaining area for the foot-controlled switch, the retainer coupled to and extending from the elongate shaft.