Stirrup Load Brackets for Rider Balance Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for measuring a horse rider's balance and posture are cumbersome, expensive, and ineffective for practical equestrian training, making it difficult to identify and address improper balance and posture issues, especially for novice to intermediate riders.
Innovation Solution
The system uses load measuring brackets attached to the saddle stirrup leathers to measure and provide feedback on load magnitude, angle, and torque, allowing for simultaneous comparison of loads on both stirrups, minimizing modifications to the saddle and ensuring safety, with wireless or wired feedback to a display or audio device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If prior art systems attach various sensors to the rider's body to collect balance and posture data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from multiple body-mounted sensors and concentrates it into a single load measuring bracket attached to the stirrup. This bracket measures all necessary balance and posture parameters (vertical load, lateral load, longitudinal load, and rotation) at one strategic location, eliminating the need for multiple sensors distributed across the rider's body while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The load measuring bracket acts as an intermediary between the stirrup and the measurement system. By positioning the bracket at the stirrup attachment point to the saddle, it indirectly measures rider balance and posture through the forces transmitted through the stirrup leather, avoiding direct attachment of multiple sensors to the rider's body
2Measurement precision
If prior art systems use complex sensor arrays on the rider's body, then balance and posture data collection is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to cumbersome equipment
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement system is extracted from the rider's body and relocated to the stirrup bracket, which remains stationary relative to the saddle. This eliminates the complexity of mounting and adjusting multiple sensors on the rider's moving body while maintaining accurate measurement of balance and posture through the force transmission path
Solution Approach 2:
The load measuring bracket utilizes the existing stirrup leather and saddle structure to provide measurement functionality. The bracket integrates with the stirrup assembly that already exists in equestrian equipment, allowing the system to serve itself by using the mechanical structure already present rather than requiring separate mounting hardware and complex installation procedures
3Measurement precision
If prior art systems implement comprehensive sensing systems, then measurement capability is improved, but cost increases making it inaccessible for practical training
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the measurement function from expensive multi-sensor arrays and implements it through a single load measuring bracket that can be manufactured more simply. By concentrating all measurement capabilities in one component rather than requiring multiple specialized sensors, the system reduces manufacturing complexity and material costs while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The load measuring bracket is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously measures vertical load, lateral load, longitudinal load, and rotational forces. This single universal component replaces what would otherwise require multiple specialized sensors, reducing overall system cost while maintaining comprehensive measurement capability for all balance and posture parameters
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 solution provides accurate and affordable monitoring and feedback on critical balance and posture elements, enabling effective identification and correction of balance and posture errors, particularly for novice to intermediate riders, with minimal interference with the rider's equipment and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
Each bracket includes a strain gauge fixed to the bracket and electrical connection means for taking a signal from the strain gauge
Data Source
AI summary
A monitoring and feedback device to assist a horse rider in achieving proper balance and posture by measuring one or more load data parameters, such as load magnitude, load angle, or torque, for both stirrups simultaneously and providing visual or audible feedback on that load data to the rider or a non-riding instructor. Load measuring brackets are attached to the stirrup bar of a saddle and each measures one or more of the load data parameters applied. Processing circuitry generates signals for transmitting, either wired or wireless, feedback signals representing the load data to a visual display or sound headset and thereby provides real time information to a rider or non-riding instructor.