Wind Instrument Mouthpiece Shield for Pathogen Blocking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Wind instruments pose a high risk for the transmission of communicable pathogens like SARS CoV-2 due to aerosols and droplets released during play, and existing solutions such as surgical masks are uncomfortable and interfere with instrument use.

Innovation Solution

A removably attachable plastic shield designed for wind instruments that fits over the mouthpiece and extends along the instrument neck, blocking aerosols and droplets without obstructing airflow or requiring surgical masks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If surgical masks are worn to prevent pathogen transmission, then protection against germs is improved, but comfort and ease of instrument use deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transmissionVSAvoidease of instrument use

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the germ-blocking function from the performer's mouth area and relocates it to the instrument's mouthpiece area. The shield device captures aerosols and droplets at the source (mouthpiece) before they can spread to others, eliminating the need for masks that obstruct the performer's mouth and interfere with playing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The shield device acts as an intermediary barrier between the performer's breath and the surrounding environment. It intercepts pathogens at the instrument-musician interface, allowing the performer to play without masks while still providing protection against pathogen transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If social distancing is maintained to prevent pathogen spread, then protection against germs is improved, but performance quality and audience engagement deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transmissionVSAvoidperformance quality

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the pathogen containment function from the performance space and concentrates it at the mouthpiece level. This allows performers to play in close proximity to audiences and other musicians without requiring social distancing, thereby maintaining performance quality and audience engagement while preventing pathogen spread.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If face shields are used to prevent pathogen transmission, then protection against germs is improved, but visual clarity and ease of playing deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepathogen transmissionVSAvoidvisual clarity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSIllumination intensity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the protective function from the performer's face area and relocates it to the instrument's mouthpiece. This eliminates the need for face shields that obstruct vision and interfere with playing, as the shield device is positioned at the instrument rather than on the performer's face.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11823651B2Germ shield device for wind instruments and method of use

Publication Date: 2023.11.21 PRUZINSKY JOSEPH

AI summary

The present invention relates to a shield device configured to fit over the mouthpiece of a wind instrument to block droplets and aerosols released by a performer using the instrument. The shield device receives and blocks germs and pathogens in droplets and aerosols and prevents them from spreading. The shield device does not interfere with the functionality and operation of the instrument and is configured to be positioned in front of the nose and mouth of a performer at a distance of up to a few inches.