Locking Headplate for Adjustable Saddle Tree Width
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saddles with non-adjustable saddle trees can only fit a narrow range of horses and require frequent adjustments as the horse's back shape changes, leading to potential discomfort and injury, and existing adjustable saddle trees are prone to movement and displacement during riding, especially when the rider is in a two-point stance.
Innovation Solution
A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree with hingedly connected elements and a supplemental locking mechanism, including a rotatable displacing element and a compression mechanism with threaded fasteners and optional inserts, to securely adjust and lock the saddle tree width, preventing unwanted movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable saddle tree is provided to allow width adjustment for different horses, then the adaptability of the saddle is improved, but the stability and reliability of the saddle tree structure deteriorates due to movement and displacement during riding
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle tree width is adjusted in advance to the required dimension using the displacing element, and then the locking mechanism is engaged to secure the adjustment before riding begins. This preliminary locking action prevents any subsequent movement or displacement during riding, resolving the contradiction between adjustability and stability.
Solution Approach 2:
A locking mechanism acts as an intermediary between the adjustable components of the saddle tree. This locking mechanism secures the adjusted width position and prevents movement during riding, thereby maintaining both the adaptability achieved through adjustment and the stability required during use.
2Reliability
If a non-adjustable saddle tree is used to ensure structural simplicity and reliability, then the stability of the saddle is improved, but the adaptability to different horses and changing back shapes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle tree is designed with dynamic adjustability, allowing the width to be changed to match different horse back shapes and sizes. The locking mechanism then freezes this dynamic adjustment to provide the static stability needed during riding, combining both adaptability and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The saddle tree structure is designed to serve multiple functions: it can be adjusted to fit various horse back shapes and sizes, and simultaneously maintains structural stability during riding when locked. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between adaptability and stability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If periodic adjustments to the saddle are made to accommodate horse development, then the fit quality is improved, but the time and complexity of saddle maintenance increases
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle tree width is adjusted in advance to accommodate the horse's current back shape and size, and then locked in place using the locking mechanism. This preliminary adjustment and locking eliminates the need for frequent periodic adjustments, reducing the time and complexity of saddle maintenance while maintaining fit quality.
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 locking headplate provides incremental adjustability and secure locking of the saddle tree width, ensuring a custom-like fit for horses and stability during riding, reducing the risk of injury to both horse and rider by maintaining the adjusted width even when the rider is not fully seated.
Implementation Method 1
a compression mechanism including at least one threaded fastener for impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element to selectively prevent rotation thereof
Implementation Method 2
a compression mechanism including at least one threaded fastener for impinging on a portion of the rotatable displacing element
Data Source
AI summary
A locking headplate for an adjustable saddle tree includes opposed, hingedly connected plates for securing to a saddle tree head portion, a rotatable displacing element for displacing the hingedly connected plates inwardly or outwardly, and at least one supplemental locking mechanism for selectively preventing rotation of the rotatable displacing element. The hingedly connected plates include apertures for receiving a portion of the rotatable displacing element therethrough, the apertures defining at least one cross-sectional dimension that is greater than a corresponding cross-sectional dimension of the rotatable displacing element. Saddle trees and saddles incorporating the locking headplate are provided.