One-Piece Violin Support Device for Ergonomic Posture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support devices for stringed instruments, such as violins and violas, often lead to ergonomic issues like pressure points and wear and tear on both the musician and the instrument, causing potential long-term damage and discomfort, especially in the chin-neck and collarbone areas, and do not effectively address the neck area during attachment.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, U-shaped support device with a homogeneous material that includes a base body with an upper supporting area for the chin and neck, a lower supporting area for the collarbone, and a connecting section with a fastening mechanism for secure attachment to the instrument, providing improved ergonomics and reducing pressure and friction forces by allowing a more upright and symmetrical posture.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional chin rest and shoulder rest are used separately, then the attachment to the stringed instrument is simplified, but the neck area is not supported and ergonomic problems occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the chin rest and shoulder rest into a single integrated support device with a homogeneous base body. The upper support area for the chin/neck and lower support area for the collarbone/shoulder are merged into one continuous structure, eliminating the need for separate components while providing comprehensive support from the chin through the collarbone area.
2Ease of operation
If conventional support devices are used, then basic support is provided, but pressure points develop over time leading to tissue damage
Solution Approach 1:
The support device is segmented into distinct functional areas: an upper support area with an abutment section for the chin and neck, and a lower support area for the collarbone and shoulder. The connecting section with its fastening mechanism creates a transition zone that distributes forces. This segmentation allows each area to address specific ergonomic needs and reduce localized pressure points.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the base body have different geometric adaptations tailored to specific body parts. The upper support area is shaped to conform to the chin and neck contours, while the lower support area is adapted to the collarbone shape. This local customization of surface geometry optimizes contact quality and minimizes harmful pressure concentrations in each specific region.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If conventional support devices are used, then support is provided, but wear and tear occurs on both the musician and the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The support device acts as an intermediary between the musician's body and the stringed instrument. By providing a homogeneous, well-distributed contact surface that conforms to anatomical shapes, it mediates the interaction forces, reducing direct friction and pressure points that would otherwise cause wear on both the musician's skin and tissue and the instrument's surface.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the support device is designed with multiple separate components, then adjustability is improved, but the attachment process becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The anatomically adapted support surfaces for different body parts are merged into a single homogeneous base body structure. This integration maintains the adaptability needed for different anatomies while simplifying the attachment process to a single unified component, eliminating the complexity of assembling multiple separate parts.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a support device (1) for a stringed instrument, such as a violin or a viola, having a first support device area that can be fastened to the stringed instrument, and a second support device area with which the chin-neck-collarbone area of the player of the stringed instrument can make contact. According to the invention, the support device (1) is designed in one piece and has a fastening section (2) that can be fastened to the stringed instrument, and a contact section (3) with which the chin-neck-collarbone area of the player of the stringed instrument can rest. The support device (1) prevents bodily injuries, such as pressure points (skin, connective tissue) and poor posture (skeleton, musculature) that can be caused by long and frequent practice or playing of the stringed instrument. The support device allows expansion of the variability and functionality of play in handling the instrument.