Rotating Disc Plectrum Organizer with Radial Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for storing, organizing, and displaying plectra or picks for stringed instruments face challenges such as difficulty in one-handed retrieval, inadequate organization, and the need for attachment to instruments or straps, which may not be preferred by all musicians.
Innovation Solution
A disc-based apparatus with radially extending slots for securely holding picks, allowing for easy one-handed retrieval via a protrusion at the center, and featuring a rotating disc for improved accessibility and visibility of the picks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If picks are stored in individual pockets or sleeves with high retention force, then picks are securely held, but one-handed retrieval becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pick holder is divided into multiple individual slots, each capable of independently holding a pick. This segmentation allows picks to be securely retained in their respective slots while enabling the user to access and retrieve individual picks without disturbing others, thus resolving the contradiction between secure retention and easy one-handed retrieval.
Solution Approach 2:
A friction reduction feature (such as a release mechanism or textured surface) acts as an intermediary between the pick and the slot walls. This intermediary reduces the frictional retention force just enough to allow easy one-handed retrieval while maintaining sufficient hold during normal use, balancing security with accessibility.
2Volume of moving object
If picks are stored in compact holders, then portability is improved, but visual identification and organization become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The pick holder utilizes vertical dimension by having slots that extend through the thickness of the holder body. Picks are held vertically with their broad faces exposed on the top surface, allowing clear visual identification while maintaining a compact footprint. This dimensional arrangement enables both compact storage and excellent visibility simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder incorporates color-coded indicators, translucent materials, or contrasting colors in the slot structures to enhance the visibility of picks stored within. This allows users to quickly identify different picks by color or pattern without requiring the holder to be large, thus maintaining compact size while improving visual information access.
3Reliability
If picks are held by high friction or positive retention force, then picks remain secure, but organized display for easy identification is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the slot structure have different properties: the bulk of the slot walls provide high friction for secure retention, while the top opening and pick-exposed surfaces have reduced friction or special textures that facilitate easy grasping and identification. This local differentiation allows both secure storage and easy access/identification simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder design pre-positions picks in an organized manner with their identification features (broad faces, logos, colors) naturally exposed before any retrieval action occurs. Picks are oriented and displayed in advance, allowing users to identify and select picks quickly without needing to dig through or manipulate retention mechanisms, thus maintaining security while enabling easy identification.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprises a disc having a plurality of radially projecting slots, each slot configured to receive and hold a musical instrument pick. The disc may also comprise a protrusion configured to be pushed by a finger of a user of the apparatus to retrieve a pick from each of the slots in the disc.