Guitar Pickup Switch Locking Plate for Accidental Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guitar pickup selector switches on the body of the guitar are prone to accidental actuation due to their placement near the strings, and aftermarket guards to prevent this often require permanent modifications that can void warranties and affect resale value.
Innovation Solution
A switch lock apparatus that uses existing guitar hardware to pivotally or slidably couple around the pickup selector switch, featuring receptacles to lock it in selected positions, preventing accidental actuation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a guard is attached to the guitar body proximate the pickup selector switch to prevent accidental contact, then the likelihood of accidental actuation is reduced, but permanent modifications to the guitar are required which may void warranties and affect resale value
Solution Approach 1:
The switch lock apparatus is divided into multiple components: a body plate with receptacles, a mounting mechanism using existing holes, and a locking system. This segmentation allows the device to be installed without permanent modifications while still providing reliable protection against accidental actuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The switch lock apparatus serves as an intermediary device between the guitarist and the pickup selector switch. It mediates the interaction by providing a locking mechanism that prevents accidental contact while allowing intentional switching, thus protecting the original guitar structure without compromising functionality.
2Ease of operation
If the pickup selector switch is positioned on the body of the guitar near the strings for easy access, then the switch is easily reachable during play, but it becomes prone to accidental hitting and unintended position changes
Solution Approach 1:
The switch lock apparatus applies preliminary anti-action by positioning receptacles around the pickup selector switch before any accidental contact can occur. The receptacles are strategically placed to intercept and block the switch from moving to unintended positions, preventing the harmful effect of accidental contact while maintaining the switch's accessible location.
Solution Approach 2:
The apparatus converts the potential harm of accidental contact into a beneficial locking mechanism. When the switch is accidentally bumped, the receptacles guide it into a locked position rather than allowing unintended position changes, thus transforming the harmful accidental contact into a controlled state.
Data Source
AI summary
A switch lock apparatus for a guitar having a pickup selector switch is disclosed herein for locking a position of the pickup selector switch. The switch lock apparatus may include a body plate, a mounting hole, a switch opening defined in the body plate which is configured to receive the pickup selector switch. The switch lock apparatus may also include at least one first side receptacle positioned along the first switch opening side and at least one second side receptable positioned along the second switch opening side. The at least one second side receptacle may be offset from the at least one first side receptacle along the switch opening length to define a central passageway that enables free movement of the pickup selector switch. The switch lock apparatus may define a locked position when the pickup selector switch is received by one of the first or second side receptacles.