Saddle Pad Panel Pockets for Stable Saddle Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing saddle pads do not provide optimal cushioning and secure positioning relative to the saddle, leading to potential slipping and misalignment.

Innovation Solution

A saddle pad design featuring side parts with panel pockets that accommodate saddle panels or flaps, secured by fastening means such as straps or hook-and-loop fasteners, ensuring stable attachment and adjustable positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a saddle pad is placed between the saddle and the horse's back without additional securing mechanisms, then the saddle pad can be easily positioned and removed, but the saddle pad may slip and lose its optimal positioning relative to the saddle

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning stabilityVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements panel pockets that receive and nest the saddle panels or flaps, creating a nested structure where the saddle pad contains the saddle components. This nesting arrangement ensures the saddle pad maintains optimal positioning relative to the saddle while preventing slipping, without requiring complex external securing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If the saddle pad is made from simple layers without pockets or fastening means, then the saddle pad is easy to manufacture, but the saddle pad cannot securely hold the saddle panels or flaps in position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The saddle pad is segmented into distinct functional layers including panel pockets and fastening means. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function - the pockets accommodate and position the saddle panels, while the fastening means secure them - making the overall structure more reliable without requiring complex integrated designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel pockets are pre-formed in the saddle pad structure to receive the saddle panels or flaps. This preliminary preparation of receiving structures ensures that when the saddle is placed, the panels are automatically positioned correctly and can be securely fastened, improving attachment security while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized pocket formation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If the saddle pad uses fixed positioning without adjustable fastening means, then the saddle pad structure is simpler, but the saddle pad cannot be adjusted for different saddle configurations or horse sizes

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates adjustable fastening means such as straps with buckles or hook-and-loop fasteners that allow dynamic adjustment of the saddle pad's positioning. These fastening systems can be tightened or loosened to accommodate different saddle configurations and horse sizes, providing adaptability while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure through the use of standard adjustable fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3863960B1Saddlecloth for a horse
Publication Date: 2025.08.27 AHLE MANUELA
  • EP3863960B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3863960B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3863960B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a saddle pad for a horse having at least one side part (1, 2) which is provided and designed to extend on one side of a horse's back. The side part (1, 2) is further provided and designed to be connected to a saddle (3) having two saddle panels (32) and two saddle flaps (33). A sweat flap (34) is optionally arranged between each saddle panel (32) and saddle flap (33). According to the invention, the side part (1, 2) has at least one pad pocket (4) on its upper side which is provided and designed at least partially to accommodate one of the saddle panels (32) of the saddle (3) or a portion (321, 322) of the saddle panel (32) or at least partially to accommodate one of the saddle flaps (33) or one of the sweat flaps (34) or a portion of same.