Hinge-Adapted Horse Saddle Curvature Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing saddles do not easily adapt to different horse sizes, requiring the use of multiple saddles and a complex, time-consuming process to change reinforcing members for proper fit.
Innovation Solution
A saddle design featuring a central part with flexibility and a hinge system that allows for easy modification of curvature, enabling the coupling of reinforcing members without dislodging side panels or pad members, with connecting points accessible from the lower surface for quick adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a reinforcing member is coupled to a rigid headplate, then the saddle has sufficient rigidity for riding, but the process of placing or changing the reinforcing member is complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The headplate is designed with flexibility to allow angular deformation, enabling the curvature to be modified easily when placing or changing reinforcing members. This dynamic flexibility resolves the contradiction by allowing the headplate to be temporarily deformed during installation, then maintain the imposed curvature for rigid support during riding.
Solution Approach 2:
The headplate's curvature parameter can be modified by applying force to deform it angularly. This parameter change enables easy installation of reinforcing members with different curvatures, while the headplate maintains sufficient rigidity once the reinforcing member is coupled and the curvature is set.
2Ease of operation
If connecting places are located on the upper surface for easy access, then the installation is simple, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting places are moved from the upper surface to the lower surface of the headplate. This dimensional relocation allows the connecting places to be accessible from below, keeping the upper surface clean and aesthetically pleasing while maintaining ease of installation through access from the lower side.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the headplate is made rigid to support riding weight, then the saddle structure is stable, but the curvature cannot be easily modified for different horse sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The headplate is designed with controlled flexibility that allows temporary deformation for curvature adjustment, then maintains stability when supporting riding weight. This dynamic property enables the headplate to transition between adaptive and stable states, resolving the contradiction between rigidity and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The headplate's physical state can be changed from a flexible, deformable state during installation to a stable, rigid state during use. This parameter change allows the same component to provide both curvature adaptability and structural stability as needed.
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 saddle can be easily adapted to various horse sizes in a shorter time, maintaining sufficient rigidity for riding while enhancing aesthetic appeal and reducing fabrication costs.
Implementation Method 1
a hinge, mechanically coupled to the lower surface of said central part, for facilitating a modification of said curvature
Data Source
AI summary
Saddle comprising a central part having a top surface for providing a seat to a rider, a lower surface having a curvature for adapting to a back of a horse, elongated pad members coupled to said central part for forming a cushion, connecting places for mechanically coupling a reinforcing member to said central part for imposing a given curvature to said lower surface. The saddle is characterized in that it further comprises a hinge, mechanically coupled to the lower surface of the central part, for facilitating a modification of said curvature, and for coupling a reinforcing member to said central part, said connecting places being located on a portion of the hinge that is accessible from the lower surface of the central part.