Horse Bridle Bit Relief Joint for Jaw Pressure Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horse bridle bits often cause discomfort and pinching due to lateral manipulation, leading to unpredictable horse behavior during aggressive commands and activities like livestock handling and barrel racing.
Innovation Solution
A horse bridle bit design featuring a pinch-free ball joint assembly and a relief joint in the shank top ring, allowing for independent movement and reduced contact pressure on the horse's jaw, with adjustable clearances and stops for customizable performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the shank is manipulated laterally for aggressive commands and direction changes, then the horse can be controlled during activities like heading livestock and barrel racing, but contact pressure on the horse's jaw increases causing discomfort and pinching
Solution Approach 1:
The top ring is made independently movable relative to the shank through a relief joint, allowing the assembly to dynamically adapt to lateral manipulation forces. When the shank is manipulated laterally for aggressive commands, the top ring can move independently to reduce contact pressure on the horse's jaw, while still maintaining control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The bit assembly is segmented into independently movable components: the shank, the top ring, and the relief joint connecting them. This segmentation allows the top ring to move independently from the shank during lateral manipulation, reducing jaw contact pressure while preserving control functionality.
2Loss of information
If the mouthpiece is restricted to a fixed position perpendicular to the side shanks, then subtle rein motions are translated directly into the horse's mouth for clear communication, but the mouthpiece cannot float or move unrestricted through greater range of motion
Solution Approach 1:
The mouthpiece is connected to the shank through a moveable joint (spherical pin and ring configuration) that allows dynamic movement. The mouthpiece can float and move unrestricted through a greater range of motion while still maintaining the ability to translate rein signals when needed, providing both adaptability and signal transmission.
Solution Approach 2:
The clearance dimensions of the moveable joint are specifically controlled to allow the mouthpiece to float freely through a greater range of motion. The spherical pin fit within the ring creates appropriate play while maintaining connection, enabling the mouthpiece to adapt its position while still conveying rein signals effectively.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the spherical pin and ring joint has narrow tolerances to prevent lip pinching, then the horse's lip is protected from discomfort, but the mouthpiece movement is restricted reducing its ability to float
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the moveable joint have different tolerance characteristics. The spherical pin has a snug fit within the ring to prevent lip pinching at the contact points, while the overall joint clearance allows the mouthpiece to float freely. This local differentiation of tolerance quality resolves the contradiction between protection and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable joint is designed with segmented functionality: the spherical pin and ring interface provides localized constraint to prevent pinching, while the overall joint assembly allows greater range of motion for floating capability. This segmentation of constraints enables both protection and adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure of the present invention relates to a HORSE BRIDLE BIT or more specifically to a horse bridle bit having a mouthpiece and independently movable shanks connected using a pinch-free ball joint assembly and the shank top ring having a relief joint to reduce contact pressure to the horses jaw when the bit shank is manipulated laterally. The bit configured to convey clear communication to the horse without undue encroachment in the mouth or jaw.