Musical Instrument Strap Adapter with Universal Clamp and Latch
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing musical instrument carrying straps require dedicated hardware and buttons, limiting the ability to exchange straps between instruments and causing loose fits that may result in accidental release.
Innovation Solution
A strap adapter device with a housing, clamp member, and latch member that securely attaches to various mounting buttons on musical instruments, allowing for easy exchange and secure attachment of carrying straps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If dedicated hardware and buttons are used to secure carrying straps, then the attachment strength is improved, but the adaptability to different instruments is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device is designed with a universal interface that can accommodate multiple types of mounting buttons (e.g., straight buttons, angled buttons, different sizes) through a single standardized clamp member geometry. This allows the same adapter to function across different musical instruments without requiring instrument-specific hardware modifications, thereby achieving multi-functionality and universality.
Solution Approach 2:
The adapter device serves as an intermediary component between the carrying strap and the mounting button on the instrument. Rather than directly attaching the strap to the button, the adapter mediates the connection through its clamp member that engages with the button shaft, providing a standardized interface that bridges different strap and button types.
2Reliability
If dedicated hardware is installed on the instrument, then the reliability of strap attachment is improved, but the device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The adapter device segments the attachment system into distinct functional components: a housing that provides structural support, a clamp member that engages with the mounting button, and a latch member that secures the clamp. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity and reliability of the attachment system.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch member is designed to automatically engage with the clamp member when the clamp is closed around the mounting button, providing self-locking functionality. This self-service mechanism ensures reliable attachment without requiring additional active components or complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while enhancing reliability.
3Reliability
If a secure fit between hardware and button is achieved, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The clamp member is designed with movable arms that can dynamically open and close around the mounting button shaft. The latch member similarly provides dynamic locking and unlocking capabilities. This dynamic design allows the adapter to transition between secure locked states and easy-to-open states, balancing reliability with ease of operation for strap exchange.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamp member is pre-configured with gripping surfaces and the latch member is pre-positioned to automatically engage when the clamp closes around the button. This preliminary arrangement ensures that once the clamp is closed, the secure locking action occurs automatically, maintaining reliability while minimizing the operational steps required for secure attachment.
Data Source
AI summary
An adapter device is disclosed for removably securing a carrying strap to a guitar or other musical instrument provided with a strap mounting button. The adapter device includes a housing defining a cavity for receipt of a clamp member movably mounted to the housing. The housing has a strap stud and a threaded nut for securing the housing to the carrying musical instrument. The clamp member has an elongate slot for receipt of a shaft of the mounting button of the musical instrument. The clamp member further includes an enlarged cavity for receipt of an enlarged circular head of the mounting button to prevent the mounting button from pulling out of the slot in the clamp member. A latch member is movably mounted to the housing and movable from an unlocking position to a locking position covering the clamp member and securing the clamp member within the cavity of the housing. tab is provided on the latch member to secure the latch member in the locking position.