Using an alto saxophone we will design a bracket and a frame system upon which will be mounted a series of electromechanical solenoids. The solenoids will be mounted over the keys on half of the saxophone in order to be able to operate the keys individually or In groups. The solenoids will be connected to and activated by a mechanism similar to a joystick from a video game. Only six of the terminals on the Joystick will be required to activate the various combinations of solenoids that will be needed to perform the required fingerings on the bottom half of the saxophone. The entire device will be powered by a small battery pack or an A.C. adaptor. The joystick mechanism will be fitted with a connector that will be compatible with a standard I)rosthetic device or an adaptable alternative. This will allow a person to play a set of keys, using only a single appendage, as fast as a person with a full set of usable fingers. There are some additional subsidiary, strictly mechanical devices that will be designed, such as an adjustable device to hold the instrument steady and the proper distance from the body.
Keywords: Electro-mechanical, Accessible, Joystick, AllaptableSummary of
Anticipated Results:This device will enable children and adults who have lost a )land or an arm, or lost the use of either, to have access to an arena of life that has been totally unavailable to them. Music is a large part of virtually everyone's life but most of music requires at least several fingers to perform. If there was a way these people could participate in this activity their lives would I)e made better for it. This technology could be adapted to virtually all of the wind instruments and could be made for either or both hands. The people who could make use of this devic4 would range from disabled beginning band students to rehabilitating accident or war victims to people suffering from nerve damage. Anyone who has lost the use of their hands or has liad the use of their hands impaired for any reason would be interested in this device.Department of education rfpn 93-025Topic: Development or Adaption of Innovative Technologies to Enhance Learning and Development of Children with Disabilities
