Segmented Finger Slide for Fretted Instruments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern guitar players face challenges using traditional slides, as they immobilize the finger, preventing normal playing techniques and requiring pauses to switch between playing styles, which hinders accuracy and articulation.
Innovation Solution
A slide device designed to fit snugly on the distal phalanx area of the finger, allowing normal playing while providing smooth glissando effects without immobilizing the finger, with a tapered design and polished surface for accuracy and articulation, and an adjustable slot for various finger sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a traditional slide is worn over the entire finger, then smooth glissando effects are achieved, but the finger is immobilized and normal playing is prevented
Solution Approach 1:
The slide device is segmented into two distinct components: a wearable body portion that contacts the strings for glissando effects, and a finger engagement portion that attaches to the finger without covering the fingertip. This segmentation allows the slide function and normal playing function to coexist on the same finger simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from covering the finger in one dimension (traditional slides covering the entire finger) to engaging the finger at a different location (the finger engagement portion attaches to the finger shaft while leaving the fingertip exposed). This dimensional repositioning enables both slide and normal playing capabilities.
2Ease of operation
If a traditional slide is used to provide glissando effects, then smooth portamento is achieved, but accuracy and articulation are reduced due to loss of fingertip focus
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the slide contact surface from the finger coverage area, the invention maintains fingertip exposure for precision control while providing a dedicated polished surface for smooth string contact during glissando effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The finger engagement portion features a polished playing surface specifically at the string contact area to ensure smooth glissando effects, while the finger shaft engagement area provides secure attachment without interfering with fingertip sensitivity and accuracy.
3Ease of operation
If a traditional slide is worn over the finger, then slide effects are achieved, but the player must pause to switch between slide and normal playing
Solution Approach 1:
The slide device is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides glissando effects through the polished playing surface while allowing normal finger pressing and articulation through fingertip exposure. This multi-functionality eliminates the need to pause or remove the device to switch between playing styles.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention enables continuous performance by allowing the player to switch between slide and normal playing techniques without removing the device or pausing. The polished surface remains in contact with strings for slide effects while the exposed fingertip can press strings for normal playing, maintaining uninterrupted performance flow.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a slide device is designed to fit the distal phalanx area, then normal playing is allowed, but the slide surface must be precisely positioned for accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The playing surface is specifically positioned and polished only at the precise location on the finger engagement portion that contacts the strings during slide playing. This localized precision ensures accurate intonation while the rest of the device provides secure finger attachment and allows normal playing movements.
Data Source
AI summary
A tubular shaped slide having first and second spaced ends for use with a fretted musical instrument, the first end having a diameter greater than the second end. The slide is positioned on the finger of a wearer such that the wearer's fingertip extends beyond the second end of the slide; the second end of the slide being formed at an angle to the vertical. A sizing slot extends along the length of the slide.