Flexible Equestrian Saddle with Dynamic Load Distribution Lines

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional saddles with rigid trees fail to distribute pressure evenly across a horse's back, leading to discomfort, restricted movement, and potential physiological and behavioral issues due to localized pressure points, especially during changes in the horse's shape or movement.

Innovation Solution

A dynamic load distribution system that uses flexible side panels and load distribution lines to distribute the load around the saddle, eliminating the need for a conventional tree and allowing the saddle to flex with the horse's spine, while maintaining a gullet space for lateral stability and incorporating an adjustable stirrup hanger system for improved rider balance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid tree structure is used in traditional saddles, then the saddle provides structural stability and support, but it creates localized pressure points on the horse's back and restricts the horse's movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle structural stabilityVSAvoidlocalized pressure points

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid tree is divided into multiple rigid sections (first rigid section at the pommel, second rigid section at the cantle) connected by a flexible intermediate section. This segmentation allows the saddle to maintain structural support while distributing pressure across multiple points and accommodating horse movement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle transitions from a completely rigid structure to a dynamic structure with flexible elements. The flexible intermediate section and flexible side panels enable the saddle to adapt its shape and distribute load dynamically as the horse moves, eliminating fixed pressure points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Shape

If a rigid tree structure is used, then the saddle maintains its shape, but it cannot adapt to changes in the horse's shape or movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle shape maintenanceVSAvoidadaptability to horse movement

Core Design Contradiction:

ShapeVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The tree is segmented into rigid and flexible portions, allowing different parts to perform different functions - rigid sections maintain shape and provide attachment points, while flexible sections adapt to horse movement and shape changes.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Flexible side panels extend from the rigid sections to provide adaptability. These flexible elements allow the saddle to conform to the horse's back as it moves while the rigid sections maintain the overall saddle structure and shape.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Object-affected harmful factors

If treeless or semi-treed designs are used to eliminate pressure points, then the saddle allows horse movement, but the pressure from girth and stirrups becomes concentrated at mounting points

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehorse movement restrictionVSAvoidconcentrated pressure at mounting points

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The load distribution system divides the concentrated forces into multiple segments. The girth attaches to both rigid and flexible sections, and the stirrup leathers attach to distributed points on the flexible side panels, spreading the load across multiple mounting points rather than concentrating it.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible side panels dynamically distribute the concentrated forces from girth and stirrups across multiple attachment points along their length. As the panels flex with horse movement, they continuously redistribute the load to prevent concentration at single points.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If traditional close contact saddles are designed with fixed stirrup bar mounting positions, then the saddle structure is simple, but the rider's ability to achieve proper balance is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesaddle structure simplicityVSAvoidrider balance adjustment

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The flexible side panels serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, distribute load, accommodate movement, and enable adjustable stirrup positioning. This multi-functionality allows the same flexible element to address both structural and operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2373574B1saddle

Publication Date: 2018.07.18 WARD

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AI summary

A dynamically rigged load distributing system (1) for an equestrian saddle includes several load-bearing sections (2) positioned upon flexible inner side panels (3) to be incorporated in the saddle. Several line guides (6) are fixed respectively to the sections (2). One or more load distribution lines (7, 8) pass through the guides, and loop around free-running pulleys of the stirrup hanger system. A new stirrup hanger bar (9) includes diverter pulleys (14, 15) and cooperates with a pulley block (11)to transfer loads through the load-distribution lines to the load-bearing sections around the saddle. A girthing system for the saddle includes webbing (16, 17, 18) attached to the sections (2) so as to depend therefrom and receive ends of girth straps (23, 24) whereby load is transferred to the sections (2) on each side of the saddle.