Safety Stirrup Curved Sliding Surfaces Fall Separation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing safety stirrups face issues such as incomplete separation during falls, untimely separation during jumps, and unhooking due to rider weight, leading to inadequate safety and functionality.

Innovation Solution

A safety riding stirrup with a loop design featuring a clipping mechanism using an elastic element and curved sliding surfaces, allowing two-stage uncoupling from the buckle, with a notch to prevent unclipping under normal conditions and enable relative rotation before total separation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a securing device is used to attach the stirrup to the buckle, then the stirrup remains firmly attached during normal use, but it may unhook prematurely during falls or jumps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure attachment during normal useVSAvoidpremature unhooking during falls
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device is divided into two independent functions: a clipping mechanism with elastic element for firm attachment during normal use, and a curved sliding surface mechanism for controlled separation during falls. This segmentation allows each mechanism to perform its specific function without interfering with the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device transitions from a static rigid connection to a dynamic system that can adapt its state. The curved sliding surfaces allow the stirrup to rotate and separate progressively under fall conditions, while the elastic element maintains firm clipping during normal riding. The system dynamically responds to different operational states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the stirrup is designed to separate quickly during falls, then safety is improved, but it may separate untimely during landings after jumps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequick separation during fallsVSAvoiduntimely separation during landings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The curved sliding surfaces are designed with specific geometry and positioning to resist premature separation during normal landings. The surfaces are arranged to only engage in separation when the stirrup rotates beyond a certain angle, which only occurs during actual falls, not during controlled landings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The separation mechanism activates only when specific angular parameters are exceeded. The curved sliding surfaces are designed to maintain contact under normal landing angles but lose contact when the stirrup rotates beyond a threshold angle during falls, thus changing the state based on angular parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the stirrup allows relative rotation before separation, then freedom of movement is improved, but complete separation may not occur during falls

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of movement under normal conditionsVSAvoidcomplete separation during falls
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The separation process is segmented into two distinct stages: first, relative rotation is allowed through the curved sliding surfaces to provide freedom of movement; second, complete separation occurs when the elastic element disengages from the buckle. This segmentation ensures both rotational freedom and complete separation are achieved in sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The curved sliding surfaces are pre-configured to allow relative rotation before separation occurs. This preliminary action of rotation is permitted within safe limits, and only when rotation exceeds the designed angle does the system proceed to complete separation, ensuring both freedom of movement and safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Ensures reliable separation of the stirrup from the buckle during falls while maintaining freedom of movement under normal conditions, preventing unnecessary unclipping and separation.

Implementation Method 1

a mechanism for clipping the stirrup to the buckle comprising at least one elastic element capable of cooperating with at least one relief provided on a corresponding surface to prevent unclipping of the stirrup relative to the buckle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a lower end of the buckle and the head of the stirrup cooperating along sliding surfaces of curved profile to allow, before unclipping and/or total separation of the stirrup and the buckle, a relative rotation of the stirrup and of the loop

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3235779B1Horse-riding safety stirrup
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 LOOK CYCLE INT SA
  • EP3235779B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3235779B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5
  • EP3235779B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7b

AI summary

The invention relates to a safety riding stirrup comprising a loop (1) suitable for being attached to a stirrup leather, a stirrup having a general arch shape into which a rider inserts a foot in an insertion direction substantially perpendicular to the plane containing the arch, with a floor in the lower part, on which a rider can place the foot, and at least one lateral branch (21, 22) connecting said floor to a head (23) of the stirrup, and a device for securing the head (23) of the stirrup to the loop (1), suitable for allowing total detachment of the stirrup from the loop (1) in the event of a fall.According to the invention, the fastening device comprises a stirrup clipping mechanism (3) to the buckle (1) having at least one elastic element (31) capable of cooperating with at least one relief (13, 14) provided on a corresponding surface to prevent unclipping of the stirrup from the buckle (1); and a lower end of the buckle (1) and the head (23) of the stirrup cooperating along sliding surfaces (11a, 12a, 27) of curved profile to allow, before unclipping and/or total separation of the stirrup and the buckle (1), a relative rotation of the stirrup and the buckle (1) in said direction of introduction of a foot of the rider into the stirrup.