Adjustable Saddle Carrier with Segmented Support

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saddle carriers often stress the inner tree of saddles, leading to integrity issues, as they do not provide a natural fit or support for the saddle's shape, and lack adjustable features to accommodate different sizes and types of saddles, while also failing to offer stable storage for tack and grooming equipment.

Innovation Solution

A saddle rack carrier with adjustable cantle and pommel support pieces that slide along a central rail, featuring angled side walls and a rounded crossbar rail, which allows for custom fitting of saddles and provides a stable storage container for tack and accessories, preventing stress on the saddle's spine and maintaining the integrity of the saddle's shape.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a box-shaped saddle carrier is used, then the saddle can be stored, but the saddle spine integrity deteriorates due to stress on the inner tree

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle spine integrityVSAvoidcarrier structure simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle carrier is divided into multiple support regions (pommel support, cantle support, and skirt supports) that correspond to different parts of the saddle anatomy. Each segment provides localized support to distribute weight and prevent stress concentration on the saddle's inner tree, thereby preserving spine integrity while maintaining a manageable overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different portions of the carrier have specialized features tailored to specific saddle parts: rounded edges at contact points to prevent cutting leather and sheepskin, contoured surfaces to match saddle curvature, and varying support heights. This local customization allows the carrier to support the saddle naturally without compromising its structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed rail saddle rack is used, then the saddle can be mounted, but the rack cannot accommodate different saddle sizes and types

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle size accommodationVSAvoidrack structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier incorporates adjustable components including movable skirt supports that can be repositioned along the carrier body, and adjustable pommel and cantle supports that can be moved to different positions. This dynamic adjustability allows the same carrier to accommodate various saddle sizes and types without requiring multiple specialized racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier is designed as a universal support structure that can hold multiple types of saddles (dressage, jumping, English, Western) through its adjustable features. The combination of adjustable supports, rounded edges throughout, and contoured surfaces creates a single carrier that performs the function of multiple specialized racks.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flat vertical side rails are used, then the rack structure is simple, but the saddle skirts and decorative designs are cut or damaged

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle leather protectionVSAvoidrail edge processing

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

All edges and corners of the carrier that contact the saddle are rounded rather than sharp or flat. The pommel support, cantle support, and skirt supports all feature rounded edges that conform to the natural curvature of saddle parts. This curvature prevents cutting or tearing of leather and sheepskin while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

4Ease of operation

If a non-portable wall rack is used, then the saddle can be stored, but the rack cannot be transported or moved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecarrier portabilityVSAvoidcarrier structural strength

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier is constructed as an assembly of interconnected components (side panels, bottom panel, supports, and fasteners) that can be easily assembled and disassembled. This segmented structure maintains strength when assembled for use or storage, yet allows for simple disassembly for portability, enabling the carrier to function both as a sturdy storage solution and a movable unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10696539B2Adjustable saddle carrier and storage bin

Publication Date: 2020.06.30 GOLDNER CARISSA

AI summary

A combination saddle carrier and storage bin comprising a substantially rectangular box including a lower base portion, and a proximal arched front panel and a symmetrical distal arched back panel, and having symmetrical rectangular side panels which fan upward and away from said lower base portion at about 95 degrees to about 115 degrees with respect to the base portion; and an uppermost saddle-support rail connecting the uppermost regions of said front and back panels, wherein said rail comprises a central groove along which slide adjustable generally triangular-shaped cantle and pommel support pieces, said pieces being temporarily fixable via sex bolts removably inserted into holes equally spaced horizontally along said rail.