Removable Guitar Hand Support via Flexible Tie
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing string musical instruments lack a hand support system that is removable, non-damaging, and adjustable, which leads to issues with hand/wrist fatigue, accuracy, and tone quality due to the need for permanent attachments that can damage the instrument's finish and restrict playing techniques.
Innovation Solution
A hand support apparatus with a 'U'-shaped arch design that attaches to the instrument via a flexible tie system, allowing for adjustable positioning without leaving permanent marks or holes, providing a non-contacting scaffold for the hand to rest on, thus reducing fatigue and enhancing playing precision and tone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a hand rest is permanently attached to the instrument body, then the player has support and a tactile reference point to improve accuracy, but it leaves holes in the instrument body and may damage the finish
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest is divided into separate components: a clamp mechanism that attaches to the instrument body without permanent modification, and the hand rest pad itself. This segmentation allows the support structure to be removable and non-damaging while still providing the necessary tactile reference point for accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp mechanism acts as an intermediary between the hand rest and the instrument body. It provides the necessary attachment function without requiring holes or permanent modifications to the instrument, thus preventing damage to the finish and structure while still enabling the hand rest to be securely positioned.
2Ease of operation
If the hand rest is permanently installed with clamping mechanisms, then it provides support, but the clamping mechanisms protrude above the guitar and interfere with the motion of the hand while strumming
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp mechanism is designed to attach to the instrument body in a dimension that does not protrude into the player's hand motion space. By positioning the clamp on the rear portion of the instrument body and extending the hand rest forward, the attachment mechanism is moved to a different spatial dimension that eliminates interference with strumming motion while maintaining support stability.
3Speed
If the hand rest is made permanently attached, then it provides a fixed pivot point for rocking the wrist to improve speed, but it restricts playing techniques and cannot be adjusted for different players
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest is designed with dynamic, removable attachment rather than permanent fixation. The clamp mechanism allows the hand rest to be easily installed and removed, and its position can be adjusted along the instrument body to accommodate different player preferences, hand sizes, and playing techniques while still providing a fixed pivot point when attached for improving speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The hand rest design serves multiple functions: it can be attached or removed based on player needs, positioned at different locations to suit various playing styles, and provides both support and a fixed pivot point when attached. This multi-functionality makes it adaptable to different players, instruments, and playing techniques rather than being restricted to a single configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the hand rest attaches to the bridge or instrument body, then it provides support, but it dampens the vibration of the bridge, instrument body, or strings impacting tone
Solution Approach 1:
The hand rest attachment system is extracted from direct contact with the vibrating components (bridge, strings, and instrument body top surface). By clamping to the rear portion of the instrument body away from the bridge and strings, the support function is separated from the vibration path, eliminating tone dampening while maintaining hand support functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A removably engagable string musical instrument hand support apparatus that includes a beam having a first end portion and a second end portion, a principal surface, a minor surface, and a peripheral surface. Further included are first and second extension members that both extend from the minor surface, wherein the extension members contact a body of the musical instrument and the beam forms a non-contacting scaffold adjacent to or over a string of the musical instrument. Also included is a flexible tie having primary and secondary end portions, the primary portion is threaded therethrough the beam and removably engages the instrument, wherein the secondary portion extends from the primary portion to form a lanyard that removably engages the instrument and continues to be threaded therethrough a cinch and the beam forming a hoop assembly also removably engaged to the instrument and threaded back through the beam and cinch.