Segmented Ring Pad with Snap Fastener for Bridle

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bridle padding solutions are not universally adaptable, often restrict mobility, and can cause pressure and chafing injuries due to their fixed attachment to straps, which limits their flexibility and adjustability.

Innovation Solution

A ring pad system comprising two blanks connected via a snap fastener, with padding on one side to cover the ring, allowing easy attachment and removal, and using spacer elements to secure the snap fastener, ensuring secure closure without restricting strap mobility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If padding is firmly connected to the bridle straps, then protection against injuries is improved, but adaptability and ease of exchange deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against injuriesVSAvoidadaptability to different bridle sizes
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The padding is divided into separate components: a strapless ring pad that attaches independently to the ring, and a separate strap system. This segmentation allows the padding to be universally applicable to different bridle sizes without being fixed to specific strap lengths or configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring pad is designed as a universal component that can be attached to any ring in the bridle system regardless of bridle size or configuration. The snap fastener mechanism allows the same ring pad to be used across multiple bridles and positions, providing multi-functional protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If padding is attached to the straps, then protection is provided, but mobility and adjustability of straps are restricted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against chafingVSAvoidmobility and adjustability of straps
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention separates the padding function from the strap system by attaching the ring pad directly to the ring rather than to the straps. This segmentation allows the straps to maintain their full mobility and adjustability while the padding provides independent protection at the ring location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ring pad acts as an intermediary element between the metal ring and the horse's body. It provides the protective cushioning function without interfering with the strap's ability to move and adjust, as the pad is anchored to the ring rather than the flexible strap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If padding is firmly fixed to the bridle, then protection is improved, but ease of removal and readjustment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against injuriesVSAvoidease of removal and readjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The snap fastener mechanism provides a dynamic attachment system that allows the ring pad to be easily attached and removed as needed. This dynamic connection enables quick adjustment and removal without permanent fixation, while still providing secure protection when attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The design allows the ring pad to be easily removed, cleaned, and reattached, or replaced if worn. The snap fastener enables quick detachment for maintenance or adjustment, and the universal design allows the same pad to be reused across different bridles.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Strength

If metallic rings are used for stable connection, then connection strength is improved, but harmful factors such as injuries increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidinjuries from chafing and impact
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The ring pad serves as an intermediary element between the hard metallic ring and the horse's body. It maintains the structural connection function of the metal ring while providing a soft, protective interface that prevents chafing and impact injuries to the horse's skin and bones.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The solution combines different materials: the metallic ring provides structural strength and connection stability, while the padded ring pad made of softer materials (such as foam or fabric) provides protection against injuries. This composite approach allows both strength and safety to coexist.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP3296253B1Ring-padding device
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 HAUTKAPPE THOMAS
  • EP3296253B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a ring cushion (6) with a first blank (1a) and a second blank (1b), wherein the two blanks (1) can be connected to each other via a connecting element (3) attached to their respective inner side, a cushion (4) is located on the outside of at least one of the blanks (1), and at least one half of the connecting element (3) is raised by at least one spacer element (2) inserted on the inner side of a blank (1).