Riding Saddle Damping Device for Jumping Impact
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing riding saddles fail to effectively dampen pulsating loads experienced during horse jumping, particularly during the landing phase, which can lead to peak loads on the horse's front legs, potentially causing discomfort and injury.
Innovation Solution
A riding saddle design featuring a damping device with a first carrier attached to the saddle tree and a second carrier pivotally connected by a lever, which includes a force accumulator to distribute the rider's mass over time, reducing peak loads on stirrup holders and knee rolls during landing, while maintaining normal riding dynamics during other phases of movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a conventional riding saddle is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but pulsating loads during horse jumping are not dampened, causing peak loads on the horse's front legs
Solution Approach 1:
The saddle is divided into multiple functional components: a saddle tree, saddle flaps, stirrup holders, and damping devices. Each component serves a specific function, with the damping devices being the key addition for load management. This segmentation allows the damping function to be added without redesigning the entire saddle structure.
Solution Approach 2:
Damping devices are introduced as intermediary elements between the saddle tree and the stirrup holders/knee rolls. These damping devices act as mediators that absorb and distribute pulsating loads, preventing peak forces from being transmitted directly to the horse's front legs while maintaining normal saddle function.
2Reliability
If damping devices are added to the saddle, then pulsating loads are effectively dampened, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping devices incorporate dynamic elements that allow movement and force accumulation. The levers are pivotally connected to carriers, enabling them to move in response to loading conditions. This dynamic design allows the system to automatically adapt to different riding phases (jumping vs. normal riding) without requiring complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping devices change their mechanical parameters (force distribution, movement range) based on loading conditions. During jumping landing, the devices accumulate force and distribute it over time, changing from a rigid connection to a compliant one. This parameter change is achieved through the spring elements and lever mechanics rather than complex electronic or hydraulic systems.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the second carrier is allowed to move freely, then the damping devices can absorb shocks, but the stirrup holder stability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The damping devices operate in a periodic manner, accumulating force during the impact phase and releasing it during the recovery phase. The spring elements compress during landing impact and then expand, creating a periodic force distribution pattern that maintains stability while absorbing shocks. This periodic action occurs naturally with each jumping cycle.
Solution Approach 2:
The damping devices maintain continuous contact and force transmission between the saddle tree and stirrup holders throughout the jumping cycle. The spring elements remain engaged, providing continuous force distribution rather than intermittent contact. This continuity ensures stable stirrup holder positioning while maintaining shock absorption capability.
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 saddle effectively distributes the rider's mass over time during landing, reducing peak loads on the horse's front legs and minimizing discomfort, while maintaining normal riding behavior during walking, trotting, and cantering.
Implementation Method 1
an energy accumulator set up to counteract the movement of the second carrier into a greater distance from the first carrier
Implementation Method 2
a second carrier pivotally connected to the first carrier by a first lever
Data Source
AI summary
A riding saddle having a saddle tree, a seat surface arranged thereon, and on each side of the saddle a stirrup holder fixed to the saddle, and which riding saddle is characterized in that a damping device is attached between the saddle and each stirrup holder. During the landing of a horse at the end of a jump, the damping device distributes the load by the mass of the rider applied to the stirrup holders over a period of time.