Violin Harness Using Intermediary Plates for Ergonomic Support

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Violinists and violists often suffer from upper back and neck injuries due to conventional methods of instrument support, which require excessive pressure and limit freedom of movement, and existing straps fail to provide simultaneous instrument support and singing capability without structural damage or modification to the instrument.

Innovation Solution

A lightweight, adjustable neck strap system with a harness that clips onto the instrument using concave and convex plates with malleable contact points, providing ergonomic support without using the shoulders or neck, and includes an optional padded chest support arm for additional comfort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a standard guitar strap is used to support the violin, then the instrument can be supported without using the chin and shoulder, but the strap threads under the tailpiece which sets excessive weight on the tailpiece and end pin causing structural damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument supportVSAvoidtailpiece structural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a harness as an intermediary device between the strap and the violin. The harness distributes the instrument's weight across the body using a belt configuration, preventing direct attachment to the tailpiece and end pin. This mediator protects the tailpiece from excessive weight while still enabling strap support of the instrument.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The support system is segmented into distinct components: a harness that attaches to the instrument body at multiple points, and a separate strap that attaches to the harness. This segmentation allows the weight-bearing function to be separated from the support function, protecting critical structural elements like the tailpiece while maintaining instrument support capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If excessive pressure is applied between the chin and shoulder to pin the instrument in place during difficult pieces, then consistent support is provided, but musicians incur significant expense on chiropractic care and physical therapy for spine, nerve and muscle discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstrument support stabilityVSAvoidmuscle and spine discomfort

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harness and strap system acts as a counterweight mechanism, transferring the instrument's weight from the chin and shoulder to the back and chest. This counterbalancing approach provides reliable instrument support stability while eliminating the harmful excessive pressure on the neck and shoulder muscles, preventing chiropractic and physical therapy expenses.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

3Ease of operation

If musicians cease supporting and performing their instrument to allow the chin to be moved during singing, then the chin can move freely, but the musician cannot play and sing simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvechin mobility for singingVSAvoidsimultaneous playing and singing capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The harness serves as an intermediary support system that takes over the weight-bearing function from the chin and shoulder. This allows the chin to move freely for singing while the harness maintains instrument support, enabling musicians to play and sing simultaneously without compromising either function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If existing straps are designed to pass under the musician's arm or bolt into the instrument, then attachment is achieved, but the instrument is scratched or structurally damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestrap attachment securityVSAvoidinstrument scratching and structural damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harness acts as a mediator between the strap and the instrument, providing secure attachment points on the instrument body without requiring bolts or direct strap attachment to sensitive areas. This intermediary approach ensures reliable strap attachment while preventing scratching and structural damage to the violin.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The harness uses a flexible belt configuration that can conform to the instrument's body shape, providing secure attachment through friction and contact pressure distributed across the body. This flexible approach avoids rigid bolts or clips that could scratch or damage the instrument while maintaining reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Data Source

PatentUS10089970B2Harness for a violin or viola

Publication Date: 2018.10.02 SILVERMAN MUSICAL ENTERPRISES LLC

AI summary

An ergonomic harness system for hands-free support of violins and violas that incorporates two partly overlapping concave/convex shaped plates with attached rib tabs on each end that secure the plates to the instrument in a cross-pattern at the C-bouts and bottom edge of the instrument body. Mechanisms for expanding and contracting the plates allows the harness to accommodate instrument size variations and provides an adjustable binding force. A telescoping chest pad is secured to one end of the concave plate for supporting the instrument using the body.