Quick Release Harmonica Holder With Dynamic Control Arm
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harmonica holders face issues such as poor support for the harmonica, difficulty in quickly moving the harmonica out of the way for singing, cumbersome removal and adjustment processes, and inadequate neck support that can cause discomfort.
Innovation Solution
The harmonica holder incorporates a control arm that automatically locks and releases the harmonica, extender tube assemblies for vertical adjustment, a pull-down loop for easy harmonica removal, and an adjustable flat curved neck support to enhance comfort and usability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a harmonica holder uses traditional support structures held in place by wing nuts, then the device structure is simple, but the harmonica can move out of position when being played
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm is designed to be movable, transitioning between a locked position that secures the harmonica firmly and an unlocked position that allows easy removal. This dynamic element resolves the contradiction by providing both stability during playback and ease of adjustment without requiring complex fastening mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm incorporates a self-locking mechanism that automatically secures the harmonica in position when engaged, eliminating the need for separate wing nuts or complex fastening systems. The mechanism serves itself by maintaining secure positioning through its own structural design.
2Ease of operation
If a harmonica holder requires loosening fasteners to remove the harmonica, then the harmonica is securely held, but the removal process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm's movable design allows rapid transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling quick harmonica removal without the time-consuming process of loosening multiple fasteners. The dynamic mechanism can be operated with a simple motion.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm is extracted as a separate, independently operable component that controls harmonica retention. By separating the locking function from the main holder structure, the system allows quick release through simple control arm manipulation rather than disassembling the entire holder.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a harmonica holder has fixed support structures, then the device is simple to manufacture, but it cannot be adjusted for different musicians' needs
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm's adjustable positioning capabilities allow the holder to adapt to different musicians' anatomical variations and playing preferences. The movable design enables customization of harmonica position and angle without requiring multiple fixed configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustable control arm mechanism serves multiple functions: securing the harmonica, allowing quick removal, and enabling position adjustment for different musicians. This multi-functionality provides adaptability while maintaining relatively simple device architecture.
4Reliability
If a harmonica holder uses an over-the-shoulder brace configuration, then the structure is simple, but it provides poor support and the harmonica can move out of position
Solution Approach 1:
The control arm provides dynamic stabilization by automatically adjusting to maintain optimal harmonica positioning. The movable design allows the system to adapt to movement and maintain secure support, resolving the instability issues of fixed over-the-shoulder designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the harmonica and the holder body, providing enhanced support and position control. This intermediate element improves stability without requiring complete redesign of the overall holder structure.
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 solution provides stable and secure support for the harmonica, allows for quick and convenient switching between playing and singing, simplifies the removal and adjustment processes, and offers customizable neck support for improved comfort and performance.
Implementation Method 1
a spring, which, when compressed, presses a control arm against a harmonica to hold it in place
Implementation Method 2
The harmonica holder also incorporates extender tube assemblies, which allow for adjustment of the harmonica in the vertical plane
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to improvements to the harmonica holder, which allows the musician to play the harmonica and another instrument at the same time. The inventor's control arm and extender tubes allows the musician to adjust the position of the harmonica (in the horizontal and vertical plains). After adjustment, the control arm allows the musician to quickly raise the harmonica up to the adjustment position, which locks the harmonic in place and eliminates the need to re-set the harmonica each time it is used. To unlock the harmonica and drop it completely out of the way for singing or to remove the harmonica from the musician's head area, the musician would simply tap the end of the control arm up, to disengage it. The pull down loop (attached to the harmonica cross member) allows the musician to quickly change harmonicas from one key to another.