Adjustable Horse Stirrup with Elastic Semi-Arch for Foot Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horseback riding stirrups do not adequately address rider comfort, foot grip, and safety, particularly in the event of falling, as they fail to provide sufficient disengagement of the foot from the stirrup and do not adapt to different riders' needs.
Innovation Solution
A stirrup design featuring a first semi-arch and a second flexible semi-arch with elastic means and adjustable components, including compression springs and removable friction elements, to enhance comfort and safety by improving foot grip and allowing easy disengagement, with the second semi-arch capable of bending away from the first semi-arch upon force application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a rigid semi-arch and flexible semi-arch are used to enable foot disengagement during falls, then safety is improved, but the rider's foot grip to the tread is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by making the semi-arches adjustable in rigidity. The first semi-arch can be configured in different rigidity states (more rigid or less rigid) depending on riding conditions, allowing optimization between foot grip and disengagement safety. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the same structure to adapt its mechanical properties to different operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics through the adjustable rigidity mechanism of the first semi-arch. Rather than being fixed, the semi-arch's mechanical properties can change during use, allowing the rider to optimize grip when needed and facilitate easier disengagement when safety is the priority. This dynamic adaptability resolves the static contradiction between grip and release.
2Ease of operation
If the second flexible semi-arch bends only towards the outside of the stirrup, then foot release is facilitated, but the foot may remain engaged to the first rigid semi-arch
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the semi-arch structure into two separate, independently movable semi-arches. The first semi-arch remains relatively stable while the second semi-arch can bend independently in multiple directions. This segmentation allows the second semi-arch to effectively push the foot away from the first semi-arch, ensuring complete disengagement and resolving the issue of partial engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dimensionality change by enabling the second semi-arch to bend not only horizontally towards the outside but also vertically downwards. This multi-directional movement capability in multiple dimensions ensures that the foot is pushed clear of both semi-arches during a fall, completely eliminating engagement risk.
3Device complexity
If the stirrup is designed for basic safety functions, then device complexity is reduced, but rider comfort is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the adjustable first semi-arch mechanism to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, enables rigidity adjustment for different riding styles, facilitates foot grip optimization, and contributes to safety. This multi-functionality allows enhanced comfort without proportionally increasing complexity, as one adjustable mechanism achieves multiple goals.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The stirrup increases rider comfort by adjusting to individual weight and improves safety through enhanced foot grip and easy disengagement during falls, providing a customizable and adaptable solution for various riders.
Implementation Method 1
first elastic means interposed between the platform and the base element configured to define a first distance between the platform and the base element
Implementation Method 2
second elastic means interposed between the end of the second semi-arch element and the second portion of the base element, in which such second elastic means have an extension direction parallel to a main extension axis of the base element to allow the bending of the second semi-arch element along such main axis away from the first semi-arch element
Data Source
AI summary
A safety stirrup for horseback riding having a first semi-arch element having a first end integrally connected to a first portion of a base element of the stirrup and a second end comprising a through hole (4) for mounting a stirrup leather; a second semi-arch element having an end elastically connected to a second portion of the base element opposed to the first portion is provided. The second semi-arch element is configured to delimit a portion for inserting a rider's foot into the stirrup. The stirrup comprises a support platform for the rider's foot associated with the base element. The platform is removably attached to the base element and the stirrup and may have elastic interposed between the platform and the base element, configured to define a distance between the platform and the base element in an initial rest condition, and adjustment means acting on the elastic means for changing the first distance from the initial rest condition.