Perfect Capo
Perfect Capo is a entrepreneurial startup that applied and was accepted to work with Generate (NU’s product development studio), where I worked on a team with fellow engineers to design an updated capo.
A capo is a clamp like mechanism which allows the users to adjust the pitch of the guitar
Problem and Client Goals:
Traditional capos are difficult to open and can be cumbersome when adjusting capo in the middle of a set
Client wished to create a portable, electrical, battery powered capo that would function with capacitive touch and be easily adjustable without removing user’s hands from playing position
Traditional Guitar Playing Position
Clip of Traditional Capo Removal
Clamping Mechanism Brainstorms
Clamping Mechanism Brainstorms
Actions (Research/Brainstorm):
Researched the basic dimensions of capos and guitar necks. Performed calculations to find the torque required and spring constants.
Brainstormed various clamping mechanisms such as pulleys & rack and pinion
Decided to pursue the rack and pinion design as a vertical clamping mechanism
Actions (Initial Design Modeling):
Designed a vertical clamping mechanism. Using spring constant calculations from research, incorporated tension spring into design
Problem areas of design:
Excessively large motor housing
Bulky top jaw
Too small of z-movement in slot
No space for gearbox
Initial Design Brainstorm
Problem and Solutions during process:
Problem: Motor clamping too much power
Solution: Jaws were redesigned with spring clamping and motor for unclamping
Problem: Spring was over clamping
Solution: Slot sized was increased to allow longer spring with smaller spring constant. Increased size also increased ease of use
Spring Assembly (Back Side)
Gear box and electronics housing
Final CAD Model (Left Side)
Final CAD Model (Right Side)
Results (Final Design):
Final Vertical clamping design that is 3D printable, easily manufacturing driven by a tension spring clamping. Motor functions to unclamp device
Design includes large slot, electronic storage, motor housing, easy spring access, smaller size of jaws
Final Product:
We presented and handed off our final designs to our client at Generate’s showcase at the end of our semester.
Other designs like an angled clamp and spool driven systems were shared with the client.
Perfect Capo Engineering Team at Generate Showcase