Multi-leg Saddle Tree with Pivoting Joints for Wither Clearance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saddle trees for riding and transport animals are often inflexible and require labor-intensive adjustments to fit different animal anatomies, leading to potential discomfort and injury, as well as restricted movement and inadequate load distribution.

Innovation Solution

A multi-leg attachment system with pivoting devices that allows for adjustable positioning to accommodate various back shapes and withers, eliminating the need for a gullet plate and saddle head, thereby ensuring a secure and comfortable fit without burdening the animal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a traditional saddle tree with gullet plate and saddle head is used, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability to different animal anatomies deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different animal anatomies
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree is divided into multiple independent leg sections (first leg section, second leg section, third leg section) that can be adjusted relative to each other. This segmentation allows each section to be positioned independently to accommodate different wither heights, back shapes, and animal anatomies while maintaining overall structural stability through the modular connection system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle tree incorporates adjustable and movable components including leg sections that can be repositioned, height adjustment mechanisms, and angle adjustment capabilities. This dynamic design enables the saddle tree to adapt to various animal anatomies and riding conditions, transforming a static structure into a flexible system that maintains stability through controlled adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Manufacturing precision

If a rigid saddle tree structure is used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidease of adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree is constructed from multiple standardized leg sections that can be manufactured with high precision using identical or similar components. This segmentation allows for precise manufacturing of individual parts while enabling easy assembly and adjustment of the complete structure to fit different animals and riding requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The saddle tree incorporates adjustable parameters including leg section heights, angles between sections, and positioning of the gullet plate and cantle. These parameters can be modified through adjustment mechanisms while the base components are manufactured with high precision, allowing easy operation and customization without sacrificing manufacturing quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Adaptability or versatility

If a complex multi-part saddle tree is used, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different back shapesVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle tree uses standardized leg sections and modular components that serve multiple functions. The same basic leg section design can be configured in different positions and combinations to accommodate various animal anatomies, wither heights, and back shapes. This universality reduces the number of unique parts needed while maintaining high adaptability across different riding and transport animal applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2660189B1Seat support device for a riding animal or a pack animal
Publication Date: 2017.09.13 DT SADDLERY DESIGN & TECHN
  • EP2660189B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2660189B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4
  • EP2660189B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The present invention relates to a device for a seat for a riding or transport animal, a saddle tree, and a saddle for riding and transport animals with such a saddle tree. The device comprises a right multi-leg extension (40) with a first leg section (41) and at least one second leg section (42) and a left multi-leg extension (50) with a first leg section (51) and at least one second leg section (52). Between each pair of adjacent leg sections, a pivoting device (61, 63) with a pivot axis (610, 630) is provided, about which the two adjacent leg sections can be pivoted relative to each other substantially within a pivot plane (300) which penetrates the pivot axis substantially vertically.