Articulating Roping Dummy Tow Linkage for Safe Close Horse Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional roping dummies used in cow horse competition training prevent horses from gaining close proximity to the dummy, potentially causing injury due to the bar or tongue arrangement, and existing rope solutions are uncontrollable or obstructive.
Innovation Solution
An articulating roping dummy tow apparatus with an anchor member and articulating support member, featuring steel arms that allow a 20-30 degree rotation, enabling the horse to approach the dummy safely without tripping or injury.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a traditional bar or tongue arrangement is used on the roping dummy, then the dummy structure is simple and stable, but the horse cannot gain close proximity to the dummy and may be injured
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is divided into multiple segments (first support member, second support member, third support member) connected by articulating joints. This segmentation allows each segment to move independently, enabling the dummy to be pulled closer to the horse while maintaining structural integrity and preventing injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure incorporates articulating joints that allow dynamic movement and adjustment. The joints enable the support members to articulate relative to each other, providing flexibility in the dummy's positioning and movement, allowing the horse to approach safely while maintaining training effectiveness.
2Ease of operation
If rope is used to enable the roping dummy to turn at an angle, then the horse can gain close accessibility, but the ropes are consistently too loose and uncontrollable
Solution Approach 1:
The articulating support structure serves as an intermediary mechanism between the towing vehicle and the roping dummy. This structured intermediary provides controlled articulation through defined joints, replacing loose ropes with a rigid yet flexible mechanical linkage that maintains control while enabling close horse access.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the position of the ski or wheels is placed in front of the roping dummy, then the dummy is stable, but it could potentially get in the way of the horse, resulting in injury
Solution Approach 1:
The support structure is segmented into multiple members (first, second, and third support members) with articulating joints. This segmentation allows the structure to be configured so that support elements are positioned behind or to the sides of the dummy rather than in front, maintaining stability while eliminating obstruction to the horse.
Solution Approach 2:
The articulating joints enable dynamic reconfiguration of the support structure. The joints allow the support members to move and articulate in response to forces applied during towing, enabling the structure to adapt its configuration to avoid placing obstacles in the horse's path while maintaining overall stability.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus and system for towing a roping dummy is provided. The roping dummy tow apparatus includes an anchor member coupled a roping dummy, and an articulating support member coupled to the anchor member. The articulating support member includes a plurality of arms coupled to one another. Each respective arm includes at least a first end and a second end, the first end having an elongated arm extension and the second having a grooved concave portion to receive the elongated arm extension. The roping dummy tow apparatus further includes one or more skis coupled to a bottom of the anchor member. The system includes the roping dummy and a vehicle to tow the roping dummy using the roping dummy tow apparatus.