Adjustable Saddle Tree Limit Strap for Controlling Seat Travel
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Saddle trees with resiliently mounted seat forming elements often allow too much or too little upward travel, resulting in a saddle that feels either too soft or too hard to the rider, as the desired amount of travel varies by rider preference.
Innovation Solution
A saddle tree design featuring a back engaging element and a seat forming element with an adjustable limit means, such as an elongated limit strap and ratchet mechanism, to control the upward travel of the seat forming element relative to the back engaging element, allowing for customizable hardness and softness.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the seat forming element is resiliently mounted on the back engaging element to allow movement, then the saddle becomes more comfortable for the rider, but the upward travel may be too great making the saddle feel too soft
Solution Approach 1:
The limit means is made adjustable to allow dynamic adaptation of the upward travel limit according to rider preference. The adjustment mechanism enables the firmness to be changed from too soft to too hard conditions, making the system adaptable rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The upward travel limit parameter is made variable through the adjustable limit means. By changing this parameter, the saddle's firmness characteristic can be modified to match different rider preferences, resolving the contradiction between comfort and firmness.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the upward travel of the seat forming element is limited, then the saddle feels firmer to the rider, but the desired amount of travel varies by rider preference requiring adjustability
Solution Approach 1:
The limit means incorporates an adjustment mechanism that allows the firmness characteristic to be dynamically modified. This enables the saddle to adapt to different rider preferences, transforming a static firmness value into a variable parameter.
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-operable, allowing riders to自行 adjust the firmness to their preference without requiring external assistance or complex adjustment procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the limit means is made adjustable, then rider preference can be accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment capability is localized to specific regions of the saddle tree where it is most needed. The limit means is positioned at strategic locations (such as the girth area) rather than requiring system-wide adjustment mechanisms, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The limit means is divided into separate functional components (adjustment mechanism, limiting elements, connection points) that can be independently manufactured, adjusted, and maintained. This modular approach reduces complexity compared to an integrated non-adjustable design.
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 adjustable limit means enables riders to tailor the saddle's firmness and softness, providing a comfortable ride by allowing incremental adjustments to the upward travel limit, thereby enhancing user satisfaction.
Implementation Method 1
the seat forming element is resiliently mounted on the back engaging element in order to accommodate movement of the back of the animal
Implementation Method 2
mounting the seat forming element on compression springs, which in turn are carried on the back engaging element
Data Source
AI summary
A saddle tree comprising a back engaging element (3) for engaging and sitting on the back of an animal and a seat forming element (4) resiliently coupled to the back engaging element (3) adjacent the pommel (5) by a pair of resilient mounting members (8). A limit strap (17) is anchored to the back engaging element (3) and is adjustably coupled to the seat forming element (4) by a ratchet mechanism (20). The limit strap (17) terminates in a grippable element (32) which is releasably grippable by the ratchet mechanism (20). By urging the grippable element (32) in the direction of the arrow A through the ratchet mechanism (20), the limit of upward travel of the seat forming element (4) relative to the back engaging element (3) is reduced, thereby effectively hardening the saddle.