Reciprocating Saddle Rack Assembly for Accessible Secure Stowage
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Loading saddles onto saddle racks in horse trailers can be difficult, especially for shorter individuals, and leaving saddles on the floor during transport may cause damage, highlighting the need for an accessible and secure saddle rack assembly that can move between loading and storage positions.
Innovation Solution
A reciprocating saddle rack assembly that moves between a deployed, lowered loading position and a collapsed, elevated storage position, utilizing a lift actuator assembly to facilitate easy access and secure stowage of saddles during transport, with lift arm assemblies providing stability and preventing rocking or twisting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the saddle rack is positioned high for secure storage during transport, then saddle security is improved, but user accessibility for loading saddles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle rack assembly incorporates a reciprocating mechanism that allows the rack to dynamically change position between a lowered loading configuration and an elevated storage configuration. This dynamic positioning resolves the contradiction by providing both high security during transport (elevated position) and easy accessibility during loading (lowered position), rather than being fixed in one position.
2Ease of operation
If the saddle rack is lowered for easy loading access, then user accessibility is improved, but saddle security during transport deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating assembly enables the saddle rack to transition between lowered and elevated positions, providing easy accessibility during loading operations while ensuring secure storage during transport. The system adapts its position based on operational requirements, resolving the security-accessibility tradeoff.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a reciprocating assembly is added to enable position changes, then user accessibility and saddle security are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The reciprocating assembly is designed to be manually operated by the user without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The user can easily reciprocate the assembly between extended and retracted positions, and the lift arm assemblies passively provide stability through their mechanical design, eliminating the need for additional actuators or control mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the saddle rack is extended outward for loading, then user accessibility is improved, but structural stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Lift arm assemblies serve as intermediary structural elements that connect the extended saddle rack to the trailer frame. These lift arms provide mechanical support and stability to the extended rack position, preventing rocking or twisting motions while allowing the rack to remain accessible for loading.
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle rack assembly includes a reciprocating assembly moveable between a deployed position and a collapsed position and a saddle rack coupled to a portion of the reciprocating assembly. The saddle rack is moveable by the reciprocating assembly between a lowered position and an elevated position when the reciprocating assembly is moved between the deployed and collapsed positions.