Musical Instrument Support with Adjustable Shoulder Pads

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional saxophone neck straps concentrate the heavy load of the instrument on the neck, leading to neck pain and potential health issues like herniated cervical discs, making it difficult for players to perform comfortably and maintain a stable tone.

Innovation Solution

A musical instrument support system with adjustable pads and connection strings that distribute the weight of the instrument across the shoulders and back, using pads with flexible materials and adjustable slits to prevent concentration of load on a specific body part.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a saxophone neck strap is used to support the saxophone, then the saxophone can be carried easily, but the heavy load concentrates on the neck causing neck pain and potential health issues

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of carryingVSAvoidneck pain and cervical disc damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support system is divided into two separate pads (first pad for left shoulder, second pad for right shoulder) connected by connection strings, distributing the support function across multiple body points rather than concentrating it on the neck

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support mechanism transitions from a single-dimensional neck strap to a two-dimensional shoulder-based support system, spreading the load across a larger surface area of the shoulders and back

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Device complexity

If the load is concentrated on a specific part of the body, then the support structure is simple, but the player cannot maintain comfortable performance for extended periods

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure simplicityVSAvoidperformance duration
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The support function is segmented into multiple pads and connection strings that distribute weight across different body parts, enabling comfortable extended wear without compromising structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable slits allow modification of the connection string length and pad positioning, adapting the support system to different body types and playing durations while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Object-affected harmful factors

If adjustable pads and connection strings are used to distribute weight, then comfort is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload distribution and comfortVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable slits enable dynamic adaptation of the support system to different users and playing conditions, providing comfort through customization while maintaining relatively simple construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable slits provide parameter modification capability (string length, pad position) that enhances comfort and adaptability without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP3244398B1Musical instrument support
Publication Date: 2020.02.19 LEE SANGKUK
  • EP3244398B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3244398B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3244398B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a musical instrument support comprises first and a second pads, each of which has a metallic frame and an outer cover covering the frame such that the first and second pads come in close contact with a back and shoulders of a wearer; a rear connection string connected to a rear end of each of the first and second pads and arranged along a rear surface of an upper body of the wearer; a front connection string connected to a front end of each of the first and second pads and arranged along a front surface of the upper body of the wearer; and a fixture bound to the front connection string and allowing the musical instrument to be attached or detached, wherein the first and second pads comprises, first and second wings, each of which is formed on a central part of each of the first and second pads protrusively towards the inside so as to facing each other and has one or more first and second adjusting holes formed through each of the first and second wings in a thickness direction; and first and second rear through holes formed through the rear end of each of the first and second pads, and wherein the rear connection string is connected to the rear end of each of the first and second pads via the first and second adjusting holes and the first and second rear through holes.