Breakaway Rein Connector With Ball-and-Socket Reassembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connector devices for horse reins that break under certain forces are either difficult to reassemble or alter the balance and feel of the reins, leading to safety concerns and user dissatisfaction.
Innovation Solution
A rein safety connector device comprising a ball component, a socket component, and a retaining member with a rotational coupling, allowing the ball to be securely attached and released based on applied forces, with components made from materials like zinc, aluminum, or plastics to ensure safe and easy disconnection and reconnection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a frangible buckle is used to allow reins to break under threshold force, then rider safety is improved, but the device becomes difficult to reassemble and may require replacement of broken parts
Solution Approach 1:
The connector is divided into separate components: a ball element, a socket element, and a retaining member. This segmentation allows the ball to be easily removed from the socket when the retaining member releases, enabling simple reassembly by inserting the ball back into the socket and securing it with the retaining member, eliminating the need to replace entire broken components
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member changes its state from engaged to disengaged based on applied force parameters. Under normal conditions, the retaining member holds the ball securely in the socket. When force exceeds the threshold, the retaining member deforms or rotates to release the ball, allowing the connection to break safely while maintaining ease of reassembly
2Reliability
If inserts are added to the reins to provide breakaway functionality, then safety is improved, but the balance and feel of the reins are altered
Solution Approach 1:
The connector components are designed to be lightweight and dynamically responsive. The ball and socket mechanism provides breakaway functionality without adding significant weight, as the components are compact and made from lightweight materials. The dynamic release mechanism activates only when needed, maintaining natural rein feel during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining member may be designed as a thin-walled or flexible component that can deform under force to release the connection. This thin-film approach minimizes added weight while providing the necessary safety function, allowing the reins to maintain their natural balance and feel
3Reliability
If the socket opening is smaller than the ball diameter to secure the ball, then connection reliability is improved, but the ball cannot be inserted without opening expansion
Solution Approach 1:
The socket opening is designed to be dynamically responsive to applied forces. During insertion, the opening can expand elastically to accommodate the ball. Once the ball is inserted and the retaining member is engaged, the opening returns to its smaller secured state, providing both easy insertion and secure connection
Solution Approach 2:
The socket opening dimension changes based on the state of the retaining member. When the retaining member is engaged, the opening is constrained to a smaller size for security. During insertion or release, the opening can expand to allow ball passage, and the material properties enable this dimensional change without permanent deformation
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 device effectively separates the reins under specific forces, ensuring rider safety while maintaining ease of reassembly and minimizing weight changes, thus addressing the balance and usability issues of previous solutions.
Implementation Method 1
the socket including an opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ball, the opening being configured for expansion upon application of a first force along a longitudinal axis of the socket component
Implementation Method 2
the retaining member is attachable to the socket component by means of a rotational coupling, wherein the retaining member and the socket component each comprise a respective part of the rotational coupling
Data Source
AI summary
A rein safety connector device comprises a ball component, a socket component and a retaining member. The ball component includes a ball and the socket component includes a socket shaped to receive the ball. The socket includes an opening having a diameter smaller than the diameter of the ball, the opening being configured for expansion upon application of a first force along a longitudinal axis of the socket component in a first direction by the ball of said ball component and retraction upon removal of said force. The retaining member is attachable to the socket component around the opening thereof to secure the ball of the ball component in the socket of said socket component, the ball being releasable from the socket when subject to a second force, greater than the first force along said longitudinal axis in a second direction.