Semi-Rigid Spiral Cable Guide for Guitar Strain Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions fail to effectively separate the player from the instrument cable, leading to entanglement, disengagement, and strain on the cable and instrument, causing interruptions and damage during musical performances.
Innovation Solution
A cable support and guiding device with a spiral member made from semi-rigid material, affixed to the instrument or clothing, that guides the cable away from the player and locks it in place to prevent disengagement and strain, using a connecting member and terminating member to manage tension and movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the cable is placed in proximity to the player's body for easy access, then the player can easily reach and adjust the cable, but the player risks stepping on or becoming entangled in the cable, causing tension and potential damage to the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cable management device as an intermediary between the player and the cable. This device includes a cable guide that directs the cable away from the player's body and a cable weight that pulls the cable downward and away, preventing entanglement while maintaining accessibility through the structured routing path
2Strength
If the cable is routed through the player's strap to reduce strain on the input jack, then some tension is distributed to the strap button, but the cable remains in proximity to the player and instrument, continuing to pose entanglement risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent moves the cable management solution from the two-dimensional plane of the guitar body (through strap routing) into the third dimension by using a hanging weight that pulls the cable vertically downward. This dimensional change creates separation between the cable and the player's body, eliminating entanglement risks while maintaining strain distribution benefits
3Ease of operation
If the cable is allowed to move freely near the player, then the player has freedom of movement, but the cable can be stepped on or tripped over, causing disengagement and performance interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The cable guide and weight system act as intermediaries that structurally manage cable positioning. The guide directs the cable along a controlled path away from the player's movement zone, while the weight provides constant downward force to maintain cable separation, ensuring both player freedom and cable security
Solution Approach 2:
The system proactively prevents cable disengagement by establishing a predetermined cable routing path and applying continuous downward force through the weight. This preliminary anti-action counteracts potential harmful forces (stepping, tripping) before they can cause disengagement, maintaining reliable cable connection throughout performance
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 device provides freedom of movement for the player while maintaining cable engagement, reducing the risk of entanglement and damage by distributing strain and preventing unintentional disengagement or tripping over the cable.
Implementation Method 1
The spiral member is fabricated from a semi-rigid material providing for flexion when a strain is transferred to the device via the cable
Data Source
AI summary
A cable positioning device for positioning a cable attached to an instrument is provided including a connecting member for affixing the device to the instrument, a spiral member having a first end, a second end, and coils between the first end and the second end. The first end of the spiral member is disposed on the connecting member. The spiral member is for receiving and guiding the cable longitudinally through said spiral member. The spiral member is fabricated from a semi-rigid material providing for flexion when a strain is transferred to the device via the cable, and is positionable by a user of the device. A terminating member disposed on the second end.