Equestrian Strap Padding for Pressure Distribution
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bridles and saddlery straps often cause discomfort due to uneven pressure distribution on sensitive areas of an animal's head and body, despite the use of padding, as the padding is not effectively designed to distribute tensile forces across the width of the strap.
Innovation Solution
A strap design featuring a padding element that widens in the middle section to cover pressure-sensitive areas, with fastening means that distribute tensile forces evenly across the width, ensuring comfortable and secure fit by reducing pressure per unit area, and can be tailored to the animal's anatomy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If padding is added to the strap to cushion pressure on sensitive areas, then comfort is improved, but the tensile force distribution becomes uneven and pressure relief is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the padding element by incorporating elastic fibers and configuring a specific density range (0.05-0.5 g/cm³) to optimize both comfort and pressure relief. The elastic modulus is controlled to allow the padding to deform under tension, distributing forces evenly while maintaining comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap employs composite materials combining different fiber types (elastic fibers, synthetic or natural fibers) in the padding element. This composite structure allows the material to simultaneously provide cushioning comfort and effective tensile force distribution through the interplay of different fiber properties.
2Reliability
If the strap is fastened tightly to ensure secure fit, then security is improved, but excessive pressure is exerted on pressure-sensitive areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the mechanical parameters of the strap system by introducing an elastic component with controlled elasticity. This allows the strap to maintain secure fit through elastic tension while automatically adjusting to reduce pressure on sensitive areas when excessive force is applied.
Solution Approach 2:
The strap transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system with elastic padding that can deform and adapt. The padding element dynamically adjusts its compression and tension characteristics based on the applied forces, providing secure fit while protecting sensitive areas from excessive pressure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional padding is used in the strap, then some cushioning is provided, but the padding does not effectively distribute tensile forces across the width of the strap
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the physical parameters of the padding element including density (0.05-0.5 g/cm³), elastic fiber content (10-80% by weight), and thickness to ensure effective tensile force distribution. These parameter adjustments enable the padding to distribute forces evenly across the strap width while maintaining cushioning properties.
Solution Approach 2:
The innovative composite padding structure combines elastic fibers distributed throughout a matrix of other fibers, creating a material that inherently distributes tensile forces across its entire width. This composite architecture ensures that localized forces are dispersed uniformly, preventing stress concentration points.
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 strap design significantly improves pressure relief and comfort by distributing tensile forces over a larger area, reducing discomfort and allowing for gentle and effective transfer of aids to the animal, while being adaptable to the animal's specific anatomy.
Implementation Method 1
a padding element (7, 7.1) formed by an elastic fabric
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
Figure 5
AI summary
A strap 3 for a bridle or saddle 2 comprises a first end section 8 forming a first end of the strap 3, and a second end section 8.1 forming the other end of the strap 3, as well as a central section 9 connecting the two end sections 8, 8.1. The central section 9 is provided by a padding element 7 arranged with respect to its effect on the animal's body. The end sections 8, 8.1 each have at least one fastening element 10, 10.1 connected to the padding element 7, such as a fastening strap for connecting the strap to another part or to another strap of a bridle, wherein the padding element 7 is a tensile force-absorbing part of the strap 3.