Head-Worn Brass Mouthpiece Emulator for Embouchure Practice
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Solution Overview
Problem
Brass instrument players face challenges in developing and maintaining their embouchure due to the need to constantly practice with the instrument or mouthpiece, which restricts arm use, causes discomfort, and generates potentially annoying sounds, limiting their ability to engage in other activities and maintain muscle strength effectively.
Innovation Solution
A brass instrument mouthpiece emulator with straps that allows the cup and rim portion to be worn around the head, enabling embouchure development without holding the instrument or mouthpiece, allowing for simultaneous engagement in other activities and reducing physical discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the instrument or mouthpiece is held to the lips for practice, then embouchure development is achieved, but arm use is restricted and physical discomfort occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece emulator transitions from being held in the hand (horizontal dimension) to being worn around the head (vertical/circumferential dimension). The headband component allows the mouthpiece to be positioned around the player's head, freeing the arms from the constraint of holding the instrument while maintaining embouchure practice capability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the mouthpiece is held to the lips for extended periods, then embouchure practice is maintained, but ulnar nerve entrapment and cubital tunnel syndrome occur
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the mouthpiece from hand-held position to head-worn position, the elbow joint is freed from the acute bending required to hold the mouthpiece. This eliminates the compression force on the ulnar nerve at the elbow while allowing extended practice periods.
3Ease of operation
If the instrument is used for practice, then embouchure development is achieved, but other activities cannot be engaged in simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece emulator serves multiple functions: it provides embouchure practice capability while allowing the player to engage in other activities simultaneously. The head-worn design enables the player to practice while driving, exercising, or performing other tasks that would otherwise be incompatible with holding an instrument.
4Ease of operation
If pressure is applied to the mouthpiece against the lips, then lip vibration and sound production are achieved, but discomfort and potential injury occur
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece emulator incorporates adjustable pressure mechanisms that allow the player to control the force applied to the lips. This parameter adjustment capability enables sufficient pressure for lip vibration while preventing excessive force that could cause injury or discomfort.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment of a brass musical instrument practice device (FIG. 3) consisting of a rimmed, (12) bowl shaped, cup (11) about 6 mm to 35 mm in diameter, and about 6 mm 35 mm deep with a 4 mm diameter hole (13) at the bottom of the cup to allow the player's air to escape. The rimmed cup is fitted into to a mounting (18) and is held against the player's lips by means of strap attachments (17) and two straps (14,15) that go around the player's head. This allows the musician to enjoy the lip muscle development benefits of practicing without having to use his hands and arms to hold either an instrument or a mouthpiece, (FIG. 1) thus freeing his hands for other use.