Hinged Rigid Arm Saddle Morphing to Horse Back
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current saddles with rigid frames often create pressure points on horses due to poor fit, leading to discomfort and injury, and require multiple saddles for different horse sizes and rider preferences, necessitating expertise and effort for customization.
Innovation Solution
A saddle design featuring hingedly connected multiple rigid arms at the rockrail edges that morph to match the horse's back shape during motion, distributing rider weight evenly across a larger surface area, and a corresponding saddle pad with similar arms to enhance weight distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid frame saddle is used, then structural strength and stability are improved, but fit adaptability deteriorates causing pressure points on the horse's back
Solution Approach 1:
The rigid frame is segmented into multiple rigid arms that are hingedly connected, allowing each arm to independently adjust while maintaining overall structural integrity. This segmentation enables the frame to adapt to different horse back shapes while preserving strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle frame transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic structure where rigid arms can pivot and adjust their positions. The hinged connections allow the frame to dynamically reshape itself to match the horse's back contours, eliminating pressure points while maintaining structural support.
2Ease of manufacture
If a rigid frame saddle is used, then manufacturing simplicity is improved, but customization complexity deteriorates requiring multiple saddles for different horses
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle frame with hinged rigid arms is designed to be universally adaptable to different horse sizes and back shapes. A single saddle design can serve multiple horses without requiring customization or multiple specialized saddles, as the rigid arms can adjust to various contours.
Solution Approach 2:
The dynamic adjustment capability of the hinged rigid arms allows one saddle to perform the function of multiple customized saddles. The structure can be reconfigured for different horses, eliminating the need for owners to purchase multiple specialized saddles.
3Stress or pressure
If rigid arms with hinged connections are used, then weight distribution is improved, but device complexity increases compared to conventional rigid frames
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple rigid arms that can independently pivot, allowing each segment to adjust to the horse's back shape. This segmentation improves weight distribution by ensuring even contact across the entire interface, while the modular nature keeps the added complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinged rigid arms automatically adjust their positions in response to the horse's back shape and movement, requiring no active control or complex mechanisms. The structure self-adjusts through passive mechanical means, improving weight distribution without proportionally increasing complexity.
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 solution eliminates localized pressure points by reshaping to fit the horse's back, providing even weight distribution without the need for expert fitting or multiple saddles, enhancing both horse and rider comfort.
Implementation Method 1
The rockrail edge is the fulcrum for the hingedly connected multiple rigid arms, which can tip up and down.
Implementation Method 2
Multiple rigid arms are hingedly connected to the structure, so they are free to tip about the rockrail, instantly morphing to match the shape of the horse's back
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle having a pair of rockrail edges along each lateral side of the saddle, where the rockrail edges serve as fulcrums, that bear on multiple, rigid load bearing arms that teeter totter with the horse in motion, instantly morphing to match the horse's back in order to better distribute the weight of a rider. A saddle pad having multiple, rigid load bearing arms that teeter totter about a fulcrum with a conventional saddle, instantly morphing to the horse's back in order to better distribute the weight of a rider and reduce peak loads.