Segmented Stirrup Insert with Dual-Hardness Parts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stirrup inserts are limited by being made from the same material, which cannot simultaneously provide both high friction and elasticity, failing to meet the diverse needs of riders effectively.
Innovation Solution
The stirrup insert is designed with a softer internal part and a harder external part, allowing for a combination of high friction and elasticity, where the internal part is configured to be softer than the external part, with a hardness difference of at least 10 Shore degrees, and can be formed from different materials or structures such as foam rubber and air chambers, to provide a dual-function surface.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the stirrup insert is made from a single material, then the manufacturing is simple, but it cannot simultaneously provide both high friction and elasticity
Solution Approach 1:
The stirrup insert is divided into two distinct parts: an internal part and an external part. Each part is made from different materials with different Shore hardness values, allowing them to perform different functions. The internal part uses softer material for friction and comfort, while the external part uses harder material for structural support and stirrup contact.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the stirrup insert are assigned different material properties. The internal part that contacts the boot is made softer to provide friction and comfort, while the external part that contacts the stirrup is made harder to provide structural support. This local differentiation allows each region to optimize its function.
2Reliability
If the internal part is made softer to increase friction, then adherence improves, but the overall structural support decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is segmented into internal and external parts with different hardness levels. The softer internal part (50-80 Shore) provides friction and adherence to the boot, while the harder external part (70-95 Shore) maintains structural support and stirrup contact, resolving the contradiction between softness for friction and hardness for strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The internal part is specifically designed with softer material properties to maximize friction and adherence to the rider's boot, while the external part uses harder material to maintain structural integrity and proper stirrup contact. This localized quality differentiation allows the insert to simultaneously achieve high adherence and structural support.
3Manufacturing precision
If the external part is made harder to improve stirrup contact, then precision improves, but the damping function decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insert is divided into two parts with different hardness characteristics. The external part uses harder material (70-95 Shore) to ensure precise contact with the stirrup and proper positioning, while the internal part uses softer material (50-80 Shore) to provide damping and energy absorption during rider movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The external part is designed with harder material properties to achieve precise geometric contact with the stirrup structure, ensuring proper positioning and alignment. The internal part simultaneously provides softer material properties for damping and energy absorption. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between hardness for precision and softness for damping.
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
This design allows for improved adherence and damping, providing a firmer feeling while maintaining precise contact with the stirrup, enhancing the overall performance and meeting multiple rider requirements.
Implementation Method 1
Stirrup inserts are intended to have a high enough friction coefficient with respect to the boot sole of a rider in order for it not to slide easily with respect to the boot
Implementation Method 2
Further, they are intended to exhibit certain elasticity and thus have a dampening function, for example in leaps
Data Source
AI summary
A stirrup insert for a stirrup including a bearing surface which is provided with a surface for placing a boot, and a holding area which can be detachably connected to the stirrup, where the bearing surface includes an internal part and an external part, where the internal part is surrounded by the external part at least in the z-direction, preferably, the internal part is softer than the external part.