Dual-Function Microfiber Cover and Strap for Stringed Instruments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for stringed musical instruments fail to provide a compact, lightweight, and cost-effective way to selectively cover and protect the strings while also serving as a functional strap for carrying the instrument, often resulting in bulkier covers and separate storage issues for guitar straps.

Innovation Solution

A dual-purpose utility article made of soft microfiber material that can fold to cover the strings, featuring flaps for secure attachment and storage, and includes connector flaps to function as a guitar strap, utilizing hook and loop fasteners and strap buttons for versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a cover completely covers the musical instrument, then protection from physical and environmental damage is improved, but the cover becomes bulkier and prevents display of the instrument's aesthetic body

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection from damage and rustVSAvoidcover size

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is segmented into multiple sections: a headstock cover, a neck cover, and a body cover that can be separately assembled or removed. This allows selective coverage of only the string and neck portions that require protection, while leaving the instrument body exposed for aesthetic display, thereby reducing overall cover volume while maintaining protection where needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The cover applies protection locally to specific areas (strings and neck) rather than uniformly covering the entire instrument. The material and coverage are concentrated on regions prone to damage and rust, while the instrument body remains uncovered to showcase its aesthetic features

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate accessories (cover and strap) are used, then protection and carrying functions are improved, but the overall cost and storage burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotection and carrying functionsVSAvoidnumber of accessories

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover and strap are merged into a single integrated accessory. The strap is incorporated as part of the cover assembly, allowing both protection and carrying functions to be achieved with one item rather than requiring separate cover and strap accessories, thereby reducing overall complexity and storage requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover serves multiple functions: it protects the strings and neck from damage, provides a carrying strap for portability, and can be adjusted to accommodate different instrument types. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated strap and cover accessories

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Weight of moving object

If the cover is made to be compact and lightweight, then portability is improved, but protection effectiveness may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecover weightVSAvoidprotection effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is constructed from flexible, thin microfiber material that provides effective protection against dust, moisture, and minor physical damage while remaining lightweight and compact. The thin film structure maintains protection effectiveness without adding significant weight or bulk

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 utility article effectively protects the strings from environmental damage, allows for aesthetic display of the instrument, and serves as a compact, lightweight, and economical solution for both covering and carrying the instrument, reducing storage burdens and accessory costs.

Implementation Method 1

The disclosed utility article including a covering member made of flexible material... The bottom surface of the covering member can be made of microfiber or similar soft material that may not scratch the surface of the musical instrument... protects from the elements, such as sunlight, dust buildup, and rust

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical barrier protection:

Implementation Method 2

featuring flaps for secure attachment and storage, and includes connector flaps to function as a guitar strap, utilizing hook and loop fasteners and strap buttons for versatility

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS12148407B2Cover and strap for a stringed musical instrument

Publication Date: 2024.11.19 GRANT ADAM

AI summary

A utility article for protecting and covering the strings of a musical instrument, while providing options for visibility and display. The utility article, including a covering member made of flexible material and having a front side and a rear side. Four flaps extend from the left edge and the right edge of the covering member, wherein two flaps extend outwards to form a sleeve and the two flaps extend rearwards wrapping the neck of the musical instrument. The two pockets will serve for holding the user's common accessories and tools, while an attachable flap will allow the device to second as a guitar strap when not in its primary use.