Pivotable Cantle Saddle Tree Relieving Lumbar Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional riding saddles, especially those for shorter horses, often protrude into the horse's lumbar region, causing orthopedic issues and mobility limitations due to uneven pressure distribution and a 'trampoline effect, while flexible saddle trees fail to provide a firm seat for the rider.

Innovation Solution

A saddle tree design with a pivotable cantle and restoring elements allows the rear part to pivot upwards, relieving pressure on the horse's lumbar region and distributing the rider's weight evenly, while maintaining a firm seat for the rider.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a rigid classic saddle tree is used, then the rider has a stable seat, but the rear part protrudes into the lumbar region causing orthopedic problems and mobility limitations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverider's seat stabilityVSAvoidpressure on horse's lumbar region
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree incorporates a pivotable connection between the front and rear parts, allowing the rear part to dynamically adjust its position. The restoring element (spring) enables the rear part to pivot upward when the horse moves its lumbar region, and return to the original position when the horse is stationary, providing both stability and mobility accommodation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle tree is divided into front and rear parts that can move independently relative to each other through the pivotable connection. This segmentation allows the rear part to respond independently to horse movement while the front part maintains rider support

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Object-affected harmful factors

If shortened panels or French saddle panels are arranged under classic saddle trees, then the lumbar region is avoided, but load distribution becomes uneven causing pressure peaks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure on lumbar regionVSAvoidpressure distribution on horse's back
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connection with restoring element allows the rear part to dynamically follow the horse's back contour. When the horse moves, the rear part pivots upward to avoid the lumbar region. When stationary, it maintains contact for even load distribution, eliminating the need for shortened panels and their associated pressure peak problems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stress or pressure

If flexible saddle trees are used, then pressure peaks are reduced, but the rider does not feel a firm seat and cannot assume correct riding position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidrider's seat firmness
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree separates the functions of load distribution and rider support into different parts. The front part remains rigid to provide firm rider support, while the pivotable rear part handles the flexible load distribution and lumbar region avoidance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restoring element (spring) provides continuous force to maintain the rear part in contact with the horse's back, ensuring even pressure distribution while the pivotable connection allows controlled movement to avoid the lumbar region, combining flexibility with stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the rear part of the saddle tree is made yieldable, then stress impacts in the lumbar region are reduced, but mobility remains limited due to the seesaw effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestress impacts on lumbar regionVSAvoidhorse mobility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pivotable connection with restoring element creates a dynamic system that responds to horse movement. When the horse moves its lumbar region, the rear part pivots upward smoothly following the movement, eliminating the seesaw effect. The restoring element ensures controlled movement rather than uncontrolled yielding

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

By separating the rear part into an independently pivotable segment, the system allows the horse's lumbar region to move freely while the rest of the saddle remains stable, eliminating the seesaw effect that occurs with rigid connections

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This design enhances horse mobility and reduces pressure peaks, providing a stable riding position without compromising the horse's comfort or mobility.

Implementation Method 1

the cantle, starting from a zero position predetermined by a stop, can be pivoted in relation to the front part in the direction of the upper side

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivotable mechanism: Hinge

Implementation Method 2

saddle tree with a pivotable cantle and restoring elements allows the rear part to pivot upwards

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRestoring element: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3733591B1Riding saddle and saddle tree for a riding saddle
Publication Date: 2021.09.08 EURORIDING GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3733591B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3733591B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b
  • EP3733591B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a saddle tree (1) for a riding saddle (20) and to a riding saddle (20) with a corresponding saddle tree (1). The saddle tree (1) according to the invention comprises a saddle tree structure (2) extending longitudinally (4) from a pommel (3) to a cantle (5), the upper surface of which forms a seat (6) for a rider, wherein the seat (6) defines a contact area (7) for the ischial tuberosities. In the area between the contact area (7) of the ischial tuberosities and the cantle (5), the saddle tree structure (2) has a pivot axis (8) transverse to the longitudinal direction (4), about which the cantle (5) can be pivoted from a zero position relative to the pommel (3) defined by a stop (10) in the direction of the upper surface. The riding saddle (20) according to the invention is built on such a saddle tree (1).