Musical Instrument Case Fixation with Low Flexural Strength Element
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instrument cases face challenges in providing a balance between secure storage and easy loading/unloading, as they often either have too much tolerance, leading to shock transmission, or are too firm, making removal difficult, due to the lack of standardized size norms and inadequate vibration dampening.
Innovation Solution
A musical instrument case with a fixing unit featuring a structural element of low flexural strength, such as a padded tape, that contacts the instrument to provide a stable yet adjustable fixation, allowing for optimal adaptation to the instrument's shape and size, while decoupling shocks through a resilient partial region, and incorporating an adjusting unit with a ratchet locking for toolless length adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If foam elements are used to fixate the instrument, then the instrument can be held in position, but the instrument transmits shocks directly or removal becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter of the fixing element by using a structural element of low flexural strength instead of conventional foam. This element can bend and deform under shock loads, absorbing impact energy while maintaining fixation. The element's low stiffness allows it to yield during shocks, preventing direct transmission to the instrument, while still providing sufficient holding force for secure storage.
2Reliability
If foam elements are used to fixate the instrument, then the instrument can be held in position, but loading and unloading becomes encumbered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a dynamic fixing mechanism where the structural element of low flexural strength can change its mechanical state. During loading/unloading, the element flexes and yields, allowing easy insertion and removal. During transport, the element maintains sufficient rigidity to hold the instrument securely. The element's ability to dynamically adapt its stiffness resolves the contradiction between secure fixation and ease of operation.
3Ease of operation
If tolerance is increased for easy loading, then loading becomes easier, but shock transmission increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by concentrating the shock-absorbing function in the structural element of low flexural strength, rather than relying on overall case tolerance. This element is specifically positioned to contact the instrument and provides localized cushioning where needed. The rest of the case structure can maintain tight tolerances for secure fixation, while the low flexural strength element locally absorbs shocks, resolving the contradiction between tight and loose fit.
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 ensures reliable, safe, and comfortable storage of musical instruments by providing a secure hold with adjustable fit, effective shock absorption, and easy loading/unloading, while maintaining the instrument's structural integrity.
Implementation Method 1
the at least one structural element of low flexural strength is provided for a dampening fixation of the musical instrument. The musical instrument is, at least in a stand-up state of the musical instrument case, held by the structural element of low flexural strength in particular at least partially oscillating.
Implementation Method 2
the cases should further have the additional function of decoupling the musical instrument from vibrations and shocks which the housing of the musical instrument case is subject to
Data Source
AI summary
The invention is based on a musical instrument case, in particular for storage of a string instrument, with at least one housing, with at least one storage region, which is delimited by the housing, for storage of a musical instrument, and with at least one fixing unit, which is provided to fixate a musical instrument in the storage region at least substantially fixedly as regards a position. It is proposed that the at least one fixing unit comprises at least one structural element of low flexural strength, which is in a fixated state of a musical instrument provided to contact a body of the musical instrument.