Composite Saddle Tree with Adjustable Gullet for Horse Morphology

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current horse-riding saddles lack adaptability to the varying morphology of a horse's withers and do not account for the natural physical changes of the horse or the individual needs of the rider, leading to potential discomfort and physical damage.

Innovation Solution

A saddle tree designed with a composite material frame that includes adjustable mechanisms, such as the 'easy fit gullet system,' allowing for instantaneous adjustments to accommodate different horse morphologies and rider preferences, ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without altering the saddle's structure over time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional fixed-structure saddle tree is used, then the manufacturing process is simple and the structure is stable, but the saddle cannot adapt to different horse withers morphologies or physical changes over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to horse withers morphologyVSAvoidsaddle tree structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree incorporates adjustable elements that allow the structure to change dynamically. Specifically, the gullet width can be modified using an adjustment mechanism with movable elements that slide along guides, enabling the saddle tree to adapt to different withers morphologies and physical changes in the horse over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle tree is divided into modular components including adjustable gullet elements, fixed support structures, and interchangeable parts. This segmentation allows specific portions to be modified independently while maintaining the overall structural integrity, enabling customization without complete redesign.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single saddle tree design is used for all horses, then the production cost is low and manufacturing is efficient, but the saddle does not provide optimal fit or comfort for individual horses

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecustomizability to individual horse needsVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree design uses standardized adjustable components that can accommodate multiple horse types and withers morphologies. The same base structure with modular adjustable elements serves universal purposes across different horse disciplines and individual anatomies, reducing the need for multiple specialized saddle designs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle tree allows modification of key geometric parameters such as gullet width and tree shape through mechanical adjustment mechanisms. These parameter changes enable the same manufactured base structure to be customized for individual horses by altering dimensions rather than creating entirely new components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the saddle tree structure is made rigid and stable, then the saddle provides structural support and durability, but it cannot accommodate natural physical changes in the horse over time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidability to accommodate physical changes

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree combines rigid support structures with dynamic adjustable elements. The fixed portions provide necessary structural stability and load-bearing capacity, while the adjustable gullet components with sliding mechanisms allow modification to accommodate physical changes in the horse's withers over time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The adjustable mechanism is designed to anticipate and accommodate future physical changes in the horse. The structure includes pre-engineered adjustment capabilities that allow the saddle to be modified as the horse's morphology changes, preventing fit problems before they occur rather than requiring complete saddle replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

4Weight of moving object

If the saddle tree is made lighter with smaller volume, then the comfort and fit are improved, but the structural strength and resistance to breaking may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle tree weightVSAvoidstructural resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree utilizes composite material construction combining lightweight materials with high strength-to-weight ratio. This allows the structure to maintain necessary structural integrity and resistance to breaking while significantly reducing overall weight and volume compared to traditional solid wood or metal constructions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP4279443A1Saddle tree for a horse-riding saddle

Publication Date: 2023.11.22 BENETTI HUB SRL

Figure 1A~1C
Figure 1D~1E
Figure 2A~2C

AI summary

The invention relates to a saddle tree (10) for a horse-riding saddle for a rider and applicable to an equine. In particular, such a saddle tree (10) comprises a frame (11) apt to rest on the back of said equine and having: - a first posterior portion (12) pointing in the direction of the tail of the equine; - a second front portion (13), opposite the first portion (12), and such as to be, when in use, in contact with the rider. In addition, advantageously, between the first portion (12) and the second portion (13) there is a central reticulated portion (16) for the rider's seat, such that the rider's load on the equine is reduced overall.