Saxophone Support Rod with Ball Joint and Felt Bumper

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saxophone support technologies cause strain on the player's right hand and arm, lead to intonation issues due to improper positioning and muffling of the instrument, and restrict ergonomic posture, as they often require the saxophone to be supported on the abdomen or thigh, affecting resonance and tone quality.

Innovation Solution

A device featuring a mechanical adapter with a bumper adjustment screw and a ball joint connection system that allows for adjustable and ergonomic support of the saxophone, minimizing contact with the body and allowing for better posture, using a felt bumper for impact protection and a telescopic connection for customizable fit.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the saxophone is supported on the body with the Eb key guard, then the instrument is stabilized on the body, but the Eb tone and tone holes are muffled causing intonation problems

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument stabilityVSAvoidtone muffling
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary support structure (the rod with ball joint connection) that mediates between the player's body and the saxophone. Instead of direct contact with the Eb key guard, the support is transmitted through this intermediary mechanism, allowing the saxophone to be stabilized without muffling the Eb tone holes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the support function from the Eb key guard area and relocates it to a different position on the saxophone body. By taking out the support contact point from the Eb key guard region, the instrument can be stabilized without interfering with the tone holes and resonance of the Eb note.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If the saxophone is positioned in the middle of the abdomen, then the instrument is centered on the body, but the right arm comes into contact with the body causing tension and strain

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument positioningVSAvoidarm strain
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a dynamic support system with a ball joint connection that allows the saxophone to be positioned optimally for the player's body shape and playing style. The ball joint enables adjustment in multiple directions, allowing the instrument to be centered or positioned to the right depending on what reduces arm strain and improves ergonomics for each individual player.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid connector is used at both ends of the holder rod, then the connection is stable, but the angle and positioning of the saxophone cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidpositioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces rigid connectors with a ball joint mechanism that provides dynamic adaptability. The ball joint maintains stable connection while allowing adjustment of angles and positioning in multiple directions, enabling the saxophone to be positioned optimally for different players and playing situations without compromising connection stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Strength

If an insulation plate is used to connect the holder to the instrument, then the connection is secure, but the resonance of the instrument is insulated reducing vibration and sound quality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidresonance insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the insulation plate from the connection system entirely. By taking out this harmful element, the connection between the holder and the instrument can be made directly without insulating the resonance, allowing the saxophone to vibrate freely and maintain its sound quality while still providing secure mechanical support.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS10573283B2Device for supporting a saxophone
Publication Date: 2020.02.25 GRANIC MATEO
  • US10573283B2 patent drawing
  • US10573283B2 patent drawing
  • US10573283B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A device (13) for supporting a saxophone (30) on the body of a player, comprising a rod whose first end-piece features a mechanical adapter for connection to the saxophone, wherein the second end of the rod is connected to a plate via a ball joint or a universal joint, and wherein the mechanical adapter has a felt bumper as impact protection for mechanical parts of the saxophone.