Layered Polycarbonate Flex-Plate for Equine Saddle Pressure Distribution

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Solution Overview

Problem

English saddles often restrict the natural movement of a horse's scapulae due to the rigidity of the saddle tree and associated girths, leading to discomfort and impaired mobility, with existing saddle pads failing to adequately alleviate these pressure points.

Innovation Solution

The use of layered flex-plates made from polycarbonate polymer, bonded and encapsulated in PVC, which are integrated into saddle pads to distribute pressure more evenly across the horse's back, reducing pressure points and allowing greater range of motion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a rigid saddle tree is used to provide structural support, then the strength and stability of the saddle is improved, but the natural movement of the horse's scapulae is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural supportVSAvoidrestriction to scapulae movement

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies flexible foam panels and flexible tree materials that can deform and adapt to the horse's movement, replacing completely rigid structures with flexible ones that maintain support while allowing natural scapulae motion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the saddle tree and panels by using materials with varying degrees of flexibility and elasticity, allowing the structure to adapt its rigidity based on the horse's movement requirements

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stress or pressure

If traditional saddle pads are used to cushion the saddle, then some pressure distribution is achieved, but pressure points remain under the scapulae during movement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure distributionVSAvoidpressure points under scapulae

Core Design Contradiction:

Stress or pressureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements different foam densities and flexibilities in different regions of the panels, with specific attention to the scapulae area, creating locally optimized pressure distribution that addresses pressure points without compromising overall support

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses flexible materials that dynamically adapt to the horse's movement and changing pressure distributions, allowing the panels to conform to the animal's anatomy during motion rather than maintaining a fixed rigid structure

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 solution effectively reduces discomfort and enhances the mobility and performance of horses by distributing pressure more evenly, providing a durable and long-lasting solution for English riding disciplines.

Implementation Method 1

layered flex-plates that distribute pressure and facilitate less restricted movement

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11542150B2Saddle pad flex-plate

Publication Date: 2023.01.03 THE DONNA M SADDORIS REVOCABLE LIVING TRUST AGREEMENT

AI summary

An apparatus for insertion into a pocket of a saddle pad of an Equine English saddle. The apparatus includes a plurality of flexible polycarbonate layers encapsulated within a protective polyvinyl chloride skin. The apparatus is positioned within the pocket, on each side of the saddle pad, preventing interference between the shoulder blades of the Equine and the points of the saddle tree during natural movement of the Equine.