Hands-Free Percussion Instrument with Knuckle Strap

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for producing a blend of rhythm and sounds from multiple percussion instruments without spare musicians are inadequate, as they require high coordination, extensive training, expensive electronic equipment, or conflicting body motions, and often impede the operation of mallet-stricken instruments.

Innovation Solution

A percussion instrument is secured to the back or side of the hand via a strap between the knuckles, allowing for unhindered motion, with hollow portions filled with materials that produce sound when moved, enabling simultaneous play of multiple instruments without impeding primary instrument operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If an auxiliary instrument is strapped to the musician's extremities, then rhythm and sound are produced while playing the primary instrument, but the auxiliary instrument and primary instrument may require conflicting motions from the musician's body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to play multiple instruments simultaneouslyVSAvoidbody coordination requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention divides the auxiliary instrument into separate components: a body portion that attaches to the extremity and a strikeable portion that extends freely. This segmentation allows the instrument to be worn on the body while the striking portion remains accessible and independent, eliminating conflicting motion requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary instrument is positioned on the musician's extremity (body dimension) rather than requiring hand manipulation, transferring the operation from a manual dimension to a body-mounted dimension. This allows simultaneous play without conflicting hand movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a flute is worn on the wrist or finger, then the instrument can be played with a primary percussion instrument, but the user must hold the hand or wrist to a mouth which movement/positioning is typically in conflict with preferable modes of operation for the percussion instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to play multiple instruments simultaneouslyVSAvoidhand and wrist motion freedom

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The instrument is segmented into a body portion that attaches to the extremity and a separate strikeable portion. This allows the instrument to be worn on the body while the striking portion remains accessible and independent, eliminating the need to hold the hand or wrist to the mouth and preserving natural percussion movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Adaptability or versatility

If clappers are attached to opposing fingers, then the fingers may be brought together to produce a clapping sound, but the musician may not be able to fully or properly grip the percussion instruments while clapping the auxiliary instrument

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to play multiple instruments simultaneouslyVSAvoidgrip capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary instrument is segmented into a body portion that attaches to the extremity and a separate strikeable portion. This eliminates the need to attach clappers to fingers, preserving full grip capability on percussion instruments while still enabling auxiliary instrument play.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

4Adaptability or versatility

If electronic equipment is used to produce sounds or rhythm, then sound can be produced while playing the primary instrument, but the equipment is expensive and does not produce an authentic sound or rhythm

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to produce multiple soundsVSAvoidcost and authenticity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The auxiliary instrument uses the musician's own body movements and natural striking actions to produce sound, rather than requiring external electronic equipment. The instrument self-generates authentic rhythmic sounds through mechanical interaction, eliminating cost and authenticity issues.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Enables efficient and inexpensive production of a blend of rhythms and sounds from multiple percussion instruments without requiring high coordination, extensive training, or conflicting body motions, while allowing for uninterrupted operation of mallet-stricken instruments.

Implementation Method 1

hollow portions with a fill material therein disposed so movement of the fill material causes interaction between the fill material and itself or the sides of the hollow portions to produce sounds or rhythms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSound production through material movement: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS8242342B2Hands-free percussion instrument and related methods

Publication Date: 2012.08.14 BETTINELLI ED

AI summary

Disclosed are apparatus and related methods for producing a blend of rhythm and sound.