Saddle Panel Insert With Non-Overlapping Air Bags
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional saddle panels lack adjustability and optimal fit to a horse's back, often requiring manual adjustment of air pressure and may cause pressure points due to uneven distribution of air bladders.
Innovation Solution
A saddle panel insert featuring a resilient polymeric plate with non-overlapping inflatable air bags and a polyether foam panel, providing adjustable support and pressure distribution, with the air bags secured to the plate and foam panel lined with polyester fleece for enhanced comfort and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If overlapping air bladders are used to provide continuous bearing surface, then fit and comfort are improved, but adjustment complexity and pressure distribution issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The panel insert is divided into distinct functional zones: a resilient plate providing structural support, foam panels for cushioning, and separately positioned air bladders for adjustment. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without the complexity of overlapping configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The air bladders are made adjustable and inflatable to allow dynamic adaptation to different horse back shapes and rider preferences. The resilient plate and foam panels provide a stable base that works in conjunction with the dynamically adjustable air bladders.
2Adaptability or versatility
If air pressure is adjusted within bladders to fit horse back, then saddle bearing is improved, but time and effort for adjustment worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient plate and foam panels are pre-configured to provide immediate structural support and cushioning upon installation. The air bladders are pre-positioned and can be quickly inflated or adjusted without requiring complex assembly or lengthy adjustment procedures.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If foam insert is placed between air bladders and saddle tree, then pressure distribution is improved, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The resilient plate, foam panels, and air bladders are combined into a single integrated panel insert unit. This merging of components simplifies manufacturing by allowing the entire pressure-distributing structure to be produced as one assembly, reducing the number of separate parts and assembly steps required.
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 offers a flexible, adjustable, and comfortable saddle fit that maintains optimal contact with the horse's back, reducing pressure points and enhancing ride quality for both horse and rider, while allowing for easy integration into existing or new saddles.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient plate is formed of a polymeric material having a high rigidity
Implementation Method 2
resilient plate
Implementation Method 3
a pair of inflatable air bags or bladders attached to the second face of the resilient plate
Implementation Method 4
the foam has a compressive load deflection of 15-25 kPa
Implementation Method 5
the foam is a polyether foam
Implementation Method 6
an overlayer of a textile, most preferably an overlayer of a polyester fleece textile
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The present invention relates especially to saddles for horses. We describe an insert for a panel (3) of a saddle, the insert comprising: a resilient plate (5) having first and second faces; a foam panel (4) attached to the first face; and a pair of inflatable air bags or bladders (6,7) attached to the second face of the resilient plate. The pair of air bags are arranged in a non-overlapping configuration. Suitably, the resilient plate is formed of a high rigidity polymeric material, such as a polypropylene copolymer. Suitably, the foam is a polyether foam having a density of between 80 and 140 kg/m2and a compressive load deflection of 15-25 kPa. Advantageously, the resilient plate has a stiffness equivalent to the stiffness of a 2mm thick sheet of a material having a tensile or flexural modulus of elasticity in the range of from 900 MPa to 2000 MPa, preferably in the range of 1000 MPa to 1500 MPa, more preferably in the range of 1000 MPa to 1300 MPa.