Safety Stirrup With Elastic Inclined Supporting Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional stirrups lack adequate support and cushioning, leading to discomfort and potential damage during horse riding, especially when performing jumping actions, due to their inelastic design and inability to securely engage the sole.
Innovation Solution
A safety stirrup with an inclined supporting assembly composed of three plates, including an elastic second plate that cushions impact and an anti-slip first plate, along with a pivotally connected arm and C-shaped frame, providing enhanced stability and slip prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional stirrup with a uniform supporting member is used, then the structure is simple, but the sole cannot completely engage with the supporting member causing slipping and lack of stability
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is divided into three separate plates (first plate, second plate, third plate) that can be independently configured. Each plate serves a specific function: the third plate provides structural support, the second plate offers cushioning, and the first plate provides the engagement surface with anti-slip features. This segmentation allows the complex structure to achieve superior foot stability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The supporting member transitions from a uniform height design to an asymmetric inclined design where the front end is higher than the rear end. This asymmetric configuration matches the natural angle of the rider's sole when stepping, enabling complete engagement of the sole with the supporting member and preventing slipping, thereby improving foot stability.
2Reliability
If an inelastic supporting member is used in conventional stirrups, then the structure is simple and strong, but the impact force is fully transmitted to the sole causing discomfort and potential damage
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting assembly incorporates an elastic second plate between the first and third plates, fundamentally changing the mechanical parameter of elasticity from zero (in conventional rigid stirrups) to a positive value. This elastic element allows the assembly to deform under impact forces, absorbing energy and reducing the transmission of shock to the rider's sole, thereby providing impact protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic second plate is pre-positioned within the supporting assembly to provide cushioning before impact occurs. When impact forces are applied during landing or jumping actions, the elastic plate is already in place to absorb and dissipate the energy, preventing direct transmission of full impact force to the sole and protecting against discomfort and potential damage.
3Ease of operation
If the supporting member has uniform height, then the manufacturing is simple, but the sole tilts during muscle tightening causing incomplete engagement and slipping
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting member is designed with asymmetric heights where the front end is higher than the rear end, creating an inclined surface that matches the natural angle of the rider's sole during muscle tightening. This asymmetric geometry facilitates proper foot placement and complete sole engagement, improving ease of operation despite increased manufacturing complexity compared to uniform height designs.
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 safety stirrup ensures secure foot placement and absorbs impact forces, reducing rider discomfort and stirrup damage by using an elastic supporting assembly and anti-slip features, allowing for safer and more comfortable horse riding.
Implementation Method 1
The second plate is stacked on the third plate with a higher position of a front end of the second plate than that of a rear end of the second plate... Due to inelasticity of the supporting member of the conventional stirrup, the impact is fully transmitted to the sole, causing discomfort to the rider or damage to the stirrup.
Data Source
AI summary
A safety stirrup includes a C-shaped frame and a supporting assembly. A pivot portion and a first connecting portion are respectively disposed at two ends of the opening of the frame. An arm with a second connecting portion is pivotally connected to the pivot portion and is selectively connected with the first connecting portion. The supporting assembly consists of a first plate, a second plate with elasticity and a third plate. The third plate is stacked on the bottom portion of the frame. The second plate is stacked on the third plate. The first plate is stacked on the second plate with a higher position of a front end than that of a rear end.