Hybrid Musical Instrument Case With Independent Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cases for stringed musical instruments are bulky and awkward when carrying multiple instruments, as they are typically made of heavy, crush-proof materials that do not provide an optimal combination of protection, convenience, and economy.

Innovation Solution

A hybrid case with a semi-rigid sidewall and independent front and back covers, featuring a partition and hinge-connected covers that allow for selective enclosure of instruments, providing enhanced protection and convenience while maintaining a lightweight design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional hard-shell cases are used to protect stringed instruments, then protection is improved, but weight and volume increase making them bulky and awkward to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidweight

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The case is divided into multiple compartments separated by partitions, with each compartment capable of independently holding one or more stringed instruments. This segmentation allows the case to provide hard-shell protection for multiple instruments while maintaining a manageable size and weight by only including protective structure where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the case have different levels of protection and structural rigidity. The sidewalls and end pieces provide hard-shell protection, while the interior compartments can be optimized for specific instrument types. This local differentiation allows protection where required while reducing overall weight and volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If conventional hard-shell cases are used to protect stringed instruments, then protection is improved, but volume increases making them bulky and awkward to carry

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidvolume

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple stringed instruments are nested within the same case structure, with each instrument placed in its own compartment or stacked arrangement. This nesting allows multiple instruments to be protected in a single case without requiring separate hard-shell cases for each instrument, thereby reducing total volume.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The case utilizes three-dimensional space efficiently by arranging instruments vertically and horizontally within compartments. Instruments can be stacked or positioned at different levels, maximizing the use of available space and reducing the overall volume required compared to carrying multiple separate cases.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Reliability

If multiple separate instrument cases are carried, then each instrument is protected, but convenience deteriorates due to bulky and awkward load

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveprotectionVSAvoidconvenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple instrument cases are merged into a single integrated case structure with multiple compartments. Each compartment provides individual protection for one or more instruments, while the entire assembly is carried as one unified case with a single handle or carrying mechanism, significantly improving convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The case is designed to accommodate multiple types of stringed instruments (guitars, basses, cellos, violins, mandolins, ukuleles) in a single structure. This multi-functional design allows musicians to carry their entire instrument collection in one case rather than requiring separate specialized cases for each instrument type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If rudimentary double cases are used to accommodate two instruments, then convenience is improved, but protection and economy are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidprotection

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The case combines hard-shell exterior materials for protection with softer interior lining materials for instrument cushioning. This composite construction provides both the protection of hard-shell cases and the convenience of softer materials, while the partitioned design ensures each instrument receives appropriate protection regardless of type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS7872187B1Hybrid cases for the protection of up two stringed musical instruments

Publication Date: 2011.01.18 MONO CREATORS

AI summary

Disclosed musical instrument cases have a semi-rigid, continuous sidewall defining a front edge with opposing first and second elongated sides and a back edge with opposing first and second elongated sides. The cases also have a partition, with front and back surfaces, attached to the sidewall. The cases have a front cover hingedly connected to the second elongated side of the front edge and releasably fastened to the first elongated side of the front edge. Conversely, the cases have a back cover hingedly connected to the first elongated side of the back edge and releasably fastened to the second elongated side of the back edge. The front cover may selectively enclose a front region of space between the front cover and the front surface of partition and, independently, the back cover may selectively enclose a back region of space between the back cover and the partition back surface.