In-Case Guitar Stand with Adjustable Cradle for Maintenance Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing instrument cases fail to provide secure positioning for string instruments during string changes, cleaning, or light maintenance, leading to potential damage due to inadequate support and stability.
Innovation Solution
An in-case stand with an adjustable support system that inclines the instrument within its case, featuring a cradle portion, body portion, and base portion, allowing for secure positioning and easy access to the headstock and neck, with options for permanent or releasable attachment to the case, and made from various materials for stability and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the instrument is held on the musician's lap or on a countertop for maintenance, then accessibility to the headstock and neck is improved, but the instrument becomes unstable and more likely to get damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (the stand with cradle and base portions) that mediates between the instrument and the musician's lap or countertop. This stand provides stable support while maintaining accessibility, resolving the contradiction by adding a mediating element rather than directly holding the instrument in an unstable position.
2Ease of operation
If an exterior foldable stand is used to suspend the guitar, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but the guitar is free to swing and potentially fall, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a counterbalancing mechanism where the cradle portion supports the headstock and neck while the base portion anchors to the case, creating a counterweight system that prevents the guitar from swinging or falling. This resolves the stability issue while maintaining accessibility.
3Ease of operation
If a removable plate is added to the case for hanging the guitar, then accessibility is improved, but the plate is not integral to the case, increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the stand functionality directly into the case structure by making the base portion attachable to the case interior. This integration reduces device complexity compared to adding separate removable plates, while still providing the necessary accessibility for maintenance.
4Ease of operation
If the case is positioned vertically with the cover serving as a leg stand, then accessibility to the stored guitar is improved, but the case stands too high and does not provide a sufficient base, reducing stability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a vertical positioning approach to a horizontal positioning approach, where the case remains stable on its base and the stand extends horizontally to support the instrument. This dimensional change resolves the stability issue while maintaining accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-case stand for a musical instrument that supports a musical instrument in the open musical instrument case, such as a guitar, in an inclined position making the headstock and the neck readily accessible for string changes, cleaning or light maintenance.