Universal Capo with Elastomeric Core and Wrap for Even String Pressure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional music capos are ineffective across a wide range of stringed instruments and neck types due to differences in string gauge and neck radius, leading to inadequate clamping and tuning issues.
Innovation Solution
A universally-effective capo design featuring a rigid arm with an elastomeric core block and wrap layer, where the core block has a softer durometer hardness and the wrap layer is significantly harder, allowing for even pressure distribution across strings of varying diameters and accommodating different neck radii.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a capo with a flat contact strip is used, then it can be manufactured simply, but it cannot easily accommodate all strings uniformly on radiused necks
Solution Approach 1:
The contact strip is constructed with non-uniform properties: a radiused portion matching the neck radius and a flat portion for the fingerboard, allowing different regions to serve different functions. This local differentiation enables the single contact strip to accommodate both radiused and flat surfaces effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact strip is divided into distinct functional segments: a radiused section for engaging with the curved neck and a flat section for contact with the fingerboard. This segmentation allows each portion to be optimized for its specific contact surface type.
2Reliability
If a capo with a contoured or radiused contact strip is used, then it is more effective for one type of guitar with a particular neck radius, but it is unsatisfactory for other guitars with different neck radii
Solution Approach 1:
The contact strip is designed to perform multiple functions: it can conform to radiused necks while maintaining a flat contact surface for the fingerboard. This multi-functionality allows a single capo design to work effectively across different guitar types with varying neck radii.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact strip incorporates a radiused portion that can adapt to different neck curvatures while maintaining a flat portion for consistent fingerboard contact, enabling the same component to serve multiple guitar types effectively.
3Force
If excessive clamping force is applied to press down all strings, then the play length is adequately changed, but strings are stretched over the fret causing degradation and tuning issues
Solution Approach 1:
The contact strip applies force selectively: the radiused portion engages with the neck to distribute clamping force across the string set, while the flat portion provides a stable contact surface. This localized force distribution achieves adequate string suppression without excessive overall clamping that would stretch strings.
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 capo effectively changes string play length without causing pitch changes, accommodating various string gauges and neck radii, providing consistent performance across multiple instruments and neck types.
Implementation Method 1
The core block is made from an elastomeric material having a first durometer hardness. The wrap layer is made from an elastomeric material with a second durometer hardness.
Data Source
AI summary
A universal capo for use with a variety of stringed instruments and with a variety of gauged strings has an upper rigid arm extending longitudinally. A core block made from an elastomer with a first durometer is mounted to the rigid arm. A wrap layer made from an elastomer with a second durometer cradles the core block on the bottom and lateral sides and can extend over the top of the rigid arm. The second durometer hardness is at least 1.5 times the first durometer hardness and the core and wrap have thicknesses collectively contributing to a substantially even pressure on strings of varying gauges to effectively clamp the strings to the neck of an instrument without application of undue pressure.