Motorized Harmonica Positioner With Encoder-Limited Hands-Free Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing harmonica holder devices require manual manipulation by musicians to switch between playing and singing, obstruct vocal projection, and have inefficient or limited movement functionality.
Innovation Solution
A motorized harmonica positioning device with a yoke member, gear arrangement, and DC motor, actuated by a foot pedal switch, allowing hands-free movement and precise control of the harmonica's position using encoders and gears, with rechargeable batteries and USB charging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the harmonica is held in a fixed position close to the musician's mouth, then the harmonica can be easily accessed for playing, but the harmonica obstructs the projection of sound when the musician sings
Solution Approach 1:
The harmonica holder is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically change position between a proximal playing position and a distal stowed position. The motorized actuator enables the holder to automatically transition between these positions based on whether the musician is playing or singing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment and resolving the conflict between easy access and vocal obstruction.
2Ease of operation
If the musician manually moves the harmonica holder between playing and singing positions, then the harmonica position can be adjusted, but the musician's hands are occupied and performance is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The harmonica holder system performs the positioning function autonomously through a motorized actuator that automatically moves the holder between playing and stowed positions. The system can be triggered by a foot pedal or wireless switch, allowing the musician to initiate the movement without using hands, thereby maintaining performance efficiency while achieving easy position adjustment.
3Reliability
If a clutch mechanism is used to lock the harmonica positioner in the ready position, then the harmonica can be securely held, but the device construction becomes inefficient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical clutch-based locking mechanism with an electronic control system that uses a motorized actuator and encoder feedback. The motor controller receives feedback from the encoder about the holder's position and automatically stops the motor when the ready position is reached, eliminating the need for complex mechanical clutches and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable position holding.
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
Enables seamless hands-free switching between playing and singing by precisely controlling the harmonica's position, enhancing vocal projection and reducing manual labor during performances.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to drive a gear arrangement to rotate the support frame
Implementation Method 2
an encoder configured to detect a rotation speed and a rotation angle of a shaft of the motor to control the motor
Implementation Method 3
a harmonica support member formed of a spring biased clamp member for releasably coupling to and for supporting a harmonica
Data Source
AI summary
A harmonica positioning device includes a yoke, support member, gear arrangement, and motor. The yoke encircles the musician's neck. A first portion of the harmonica support member releasably couples to a harmonica, and a second portion secures to a shaft that co-rotates with one of the gears, which are housed within the yoke. A wireless foot pedal controls the motor to drive the gears to rotate to thereby rotate the harmonica between a first position and a second position. The motor and gear arrangement is particularly configured to provide friction and a stall torque that holds the harmonica support member in an upright position even while the user is playing the harmonic, without using a dedicating locking mechanism. An encoder detects rotation speed and rotation angle of the motor to control the motor to limit movement of the harmonica support member to at least the first and second positions.