Inverse Stirrup Design for Upward and Transverse Force Resistance
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horseback riding stirrups are ineffective in resisting upward and transverse forces, posing a risk of ejection during rapid movements, especially for novice riders and skilled riders in mounted sports, and existing safety systems fail to reliably resist such forces without interfering with normal riding positions.
Innovation Solution
An inverse stirrup design that attaches to the horse's tack, allowing riders to resist upward and transverse forces by applying pressure to a concave element with the upper surface of their feet, using flexible or semi-flexible straps and potentially reinforced with rigid elements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional stirrups are used that hang freely from the saddle, then the rider can rest feet and press down to resist downward forces, but the stirrup cannot resist upward or sideward forces effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The invention inverts the conventional stirrup design by having the stirrup strap attach to the girth strap that passes underneath the horse, rather than hanging freely from the saddle. This inversion allows the stirrup to resist upward forces by transferring them through the girth strap to the horse's body, while the concave element contacts the upper surface of the rider's foot to provide upward support.
2Reliability
If the stirrup is designed to resist upward forces by attaching to the girth strap, then rider stability during rapid movements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the girth strap, which is already a necessary component of the saddle system for securing the saddle to the horse, and adds stirrup attachment functionality to it. This multi-functional use of the girth strap avoids adding separate complex attachment mechanisms, thereby improving rider stability while minimizing increases in device complexity.
3Reliability
If existing safety stirrup systems are implemented, then some upward force resistance is provided, but they interfere with the rider's normal ability to dismount or move in the saddle
Solution Approach 1:
The stirrup design allows dynamic adjustment of the strap tension and positioning. The strap can be loosened or adjusted to accommodate different riding positions and movements, and can be easily released to allow dismounting. This dynamic capability maintains upward force resistance during riding while preserving rider mobility and ease of dismounting.
Data Source
AI summary
An inverse stirrup for use in horseback riding that a horseback rider contacts with the top of the rider's foot to resist upward or transverse force and maintain position on the horse. The inverse stirrup is attached to the horse by means of a circumferential or semi-circumferential strap such as the girth strap passing beneath the horse such that the inverse stirrup resists displacement upward.