Multi-functional Roping Sled with Segmented Leg Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current roping practice sleds lack versatility and ease of use, with limitations in replicating various steer scenarios, excessive weight, and difficulty in adjusting configurations, making them cumbersome and impractical for training, especially for youth ropers. They do not allow for independent leg movement, adjustable horn lengths, or easy attachment/removal of dummies, which restricts effective practice and increases shipping and transport costs.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight roping practice sled with independently operating and overlapping legs, a quick-release dummy attachment mechanism, adjustable height, and a bungee tow rope system, along with collapsible horns that rotate through different planes, enabling multiple configurations and easier handling, allowing for realistic steer simulations and reduced weight for improved maneuverability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple spring elements are used to operate legs in different planes, then legs can be retracted and expanded, but the legs cannot operate independently and the sled weight increases excessively
Solution Approach 1:
The leg mechanism is divided into separate functional segments: one spring element handles leg retraction while another handles leg separation. Each spring operates independently in its own plane, allowing legs to function autonomously without requiring a single complex multi-plane spring system, thereby reducing overall weight while maintaining independent leg operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from attempting to control both leg retraction and separation within a single plane using one spring, to utilizing multiple dimensions by employing separate spring elements operating in different planes. This dimensional separation enables independent control of leg movements without the weight penalty of an overly complex single-plane mechanism.
2Device complexity
If a non-removable steer body is used on the heeling sled, then the structure is simplified, but transport cost and multi-function capability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The steer body is divided into a permanent base structure and a removable dummy component. The base remains fixed on the sled to maintain structural integrity, while the dummy can be detached and replaced with different configurations or removed entirely, enabling multiple functions including heeling practice, heading practice, and transport mode without requiring a completely different sled design.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static non-removable steer body to a dynamic configuration where the dummy can be attached or detached based on training needs. This dynamic adaptability allows the same sled to serve multiple purposes: heeling practice with the dummy attached, transport with the dummy removed to reduce weight, and configuration changes for different training scenarios.
3Ease of operation
If the entire steer body is raised and lowered, then the legs are positioned for roping, but it is difficult for youth ropers or ropers of little strength
Solution Approach 1:
The leg positioning mechanism is extracted from the main steer body and given independent control through separate actuation. Instead of requiring the roper to lift the entire heavy steer body to adjust leg position, the legs can be independently positioned or released using a lighter, dedicated mechanism that requires minimal force, making the system accessible to youth ropers and those with limited strength.
4Device complexity
If collapsible horns rotate within the same plane, then the structure is simplified, but the angle of rotation is limited and horn length is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The horn rotation mechanism transitions from single-plane rotation to multi-plane rotation capability. By allowing horns to rotate in multiple dimensions rather than being constrained to a single plane, the system achieves greater angular freedom and can accommodate various horn lengths and curvatures without the horns colliding during collapse, thereby increasing configuration versatility without proportionally increasing mechanical complexity.
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
The solution provides a versatile, lightweight sled that allows for realistic steer simulations, easier handling, and reduced strain on ropers and horses, enabling more effective training and safer practice with reduced wear on equipment, while being easier to transport and assemble.
Implementation Method 1
a bungee tow rope system
Data Source
AI summary
A heading and heeling roping practice sled apparatus having a heeling practice sled and a heading practice dummy, where the heeling sled has a single mainframe bar, a tow arm with an open-faced front tow hook as well as a closed or closeable ring for towing, a wheel assembly attached to the tow arm below the horns of the heading practice dummy, support legs configured to provide support for the mainframe and dummy, dummy mounting brackets attached to the support legs, securing straps and a quick release latch attached to the dummy mounting brackets, the dummy having a flanged base for securing the dummy to the sled within the dummy brackets, and a roping leg apparatus attached to the rear of the mainframe. The roping leg apparatus has a hip assembly with a coupling attached thereto which are non-linear axles, and hinges positioned about the axles to which roping legs are mounted.