Elongated Parabolic D-Ring for Pivotal Stirrup Movement
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional western saddles with fixed D-rings restrict stirrup movement, making it difficult for riders with limited knee flexibility or leg problems to mount or ride comfortably, as they do not allow for sufficient pivotal movement of the stirrup with respect to the saddle.
Innovation Solution
A modified elongated D-ring with a loop of varying radius is designed, allowing limited pivotal forward movement of the stirrup, featuring a curved loop with a parabolic extension and 'T' shaped projections for strap positioning, ensuring the stirrup strap can swing forward, providing comfort, safety, and control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a fixed D-ring is used in conventional western saddles, then the stirrup position is stable and secure, but the stirrup cannot pivot forward, making it difficult for riders with limited knee flexibility or leg problems to mount or ride comfortably
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring is transformed from a fixed structure to a dynamic one by adding a pivot mechanism at the rear end. This allows the stirrup strap to rotate relative to the saddle, enabling riders with flexibility issues to mount and ride comfortably while maintaining security when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The D-ring is divided into functionally distinct segments: a stable anchor point at the front for security, and a movable pivot section at the rear for flexibility. This segmentation allows the system to provide both stability and adaptability simultaneously.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the D-ring is made elongated with a parabolic curve to allow stirrup movement, then rider comfort and flexibility are improved, but the structural complexity of the D-ring increases
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring incorporates a parabolic curve instead of a straight or simple circular shape. This curvature is optimized to provide the necessary range of motion for the stirrup while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appearance, balancing complexity with functionality.
3Ease of operation
If the upper surface of the lower span is made longer than the strap width, then the strap can pivot forward effectively, but the D-ring becomes less stable in its anchor position
Solution Approach 1:
The D-ring is divided into functionally distinct segments: a stable anchor point at the front for security, and a movable pivot section at the rear for flexibility. This segmentation allows the system to provide both stability and adaptability simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
A modified saddle D-ring having a loop of a varying radius for supporting a stirrup strap on a saddle. The stirrup supporting strap is looped around a lower span portion of the D-ring which has an upper span portion anchored to the saddle. The lower span has an upper surface that abuts against the saddle supporting strap and such upper surface includes first and second contiguous portions disposed at a preselected angle to one another with the length being greater than the width of the stirrup supporting strap. The D-ring includes an elongated curved loop extending forward at a varying radius depicting a parabolic curve. The elongated D-ring allows limited pivotal forward movement of the stirrup with respect to the saddle. One or more âTâ shaped projections may extend upward from one a selected position at the bottom of the D-ring for adjusting and holding the D-ring in position.