Thermoplastic Shoulder Support for Violin Contour Adaptation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing shoulder supports for bowed instruments like violins and violas often require individualized shaping to fit the player's physique comfortably, but this is complex and typically requires specialized resources or tools, limiting adaptability and sound quality.
Innovation Solution
A shoulder support with a thermoplastic material that can be shaped and reshaped by the user using heat, allowing for contour adaptation to the player's body, with specific material properties such as a transition temperature between 43°C and 60°C, density between 0.8 and 1.5 g/cm³, and geometric parameters for optimal sound and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the shoulder support is made from conventional materials with fixed base, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the adaptability to individual player physique is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing the thermal properties of thermoplastic material. The material's transition temperature (between 43°C and 60°C) allows it to change from a rigid state during normal use to a deformable state when heated, enabling the support element to be reshaped to fit individual players' bodies while maintaining structural integrity during play
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs phase transitions of thermoplastic material, specifically the transition between solid and semi-solid states driven by temperature changes. When heated above the transition temperature, the material becomes pliable for shaping; when cooled, it solidifies to maintain the customized shape, creating a reversible phase change cycle that enables repeated adaptation
2Adaptability or versatility
If the support element is made from thermoplastic material, then the adaptability and contouring capability are improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by designing the support element to be reshaped by the player themselves using only body heat or simple heating methods. The thermoplastic material responds to temperature changes and can be molded to fit the player's body contours without requiring specialized tools, laboratories, or expert operators, making the customization process accessible to end users
3Ease of operation
If the base is provided with cushion for comfort, then the playing comfort is improved, but the sound quality and harmony with the instrument deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the support element itself contoured and shaped to fit the player's body and instrument contact points, rather than adding a separate cushion layer. The thermoplastic material can be molded to create ergonomic contours that provide comfort directly through its shape, eliminating the need for additional cushioning materials that would interfere with sound transmission
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
Enables extensive individualized contouring and adaptation of the shoulder support to the user's body, improving playing comfort and sound quality without needing specialized tools, with the ability to modify the shape as needed for optimal fit and sound properties.
Implementation Method 1
the support element (32) of the shoulder support (30) is produced from a thermoplastic material... a transition temperature in the thermoplastic range Tg of between approximately 43° C. and approximately 60° C.
Implementation Method 2
a suitably selected, subsequently deformable material... with the ambient conditions being specified (irradiation with the provided light; activation of the magnetic field), the deformability can be selectively activated. After the desired shape adaptation has been carried out, the ambient conditions can then be adjusted again
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a shoulder support (30) for a bowed instrument having a support element (32) for placing on the shoulder and/or chest of the player. To that end, there is provision according to the invention for the support element (32) of the shoulder support (30) to be produced from a thermoplastic material.