Saddle Stirrup Strap Coupling for Stable Attachment and Fall Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing stirrup strap connection systems for horseback riding saddles are cumbersome to operate and lack precise adjustment for safe release during falls, leading to potential safety risks.
Innovation Solution
A device with a first and second connecting body, utilizing mechanical and magnetic coupling means, allows stable attachment during use and automatic disengagement upon a predetermined force along a specific direction, ensuring safe release during falls.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If mechanical coupling means are used to connect stirrup strap to stirrup bar, then stable attachment is achieved, but engagement operations become cumbersome and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is divided into separate components: a stirrup bar with coupling means and a stirrup strap with corresponding engagement means. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component, enabling stable attachment through the coupling mechanism while simplifying engagement operations through the modular design where the strap can be independently positioned and engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate coupling means as a mediator between the stirrup bar and stirrup strap. This intermediary mechanism facilitates easier engagement by providing a controlled interface that guides the strap into the correct position and secures it firmly, reducing the complexity of direct connection while maintaining stability.
2Reliability
If snap-acting lever is used for automatic release, then release function is provided, but precise adjustment of preloading is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional snap-acting lever mechanical system with an alternative coupling mechanism that achieves automatic release through force-directed uncoupling. This substitution eliminates the complex preloading adjustment requirements of snap-acting levers while maintaining reliable automatic release functionality when force exceeds a predetermined threshold along the uncoupling direction.
3Strength
If mechanical coupling means are used, then secure connection is achieved, but disengagement requires complex mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are designed with asymmetric characteristics where engagement follows a specific trajectory that is easier to execute, while disengagement requires application of force in a specific uncoupling direction. This asymmetry allows strong connection during normal use while enabling simple automatic disengagement when force exceeds the predetermined threshold, without requiring complex disengagement mechanisms.
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
Facilitates easy engagement and secure attachment of stirrup straps while providing reliable automatic disengagement during falls, enhancing safety and usability.
Implementation Method 1
coupling means of the magnetic type which act between the first connecting body (2) and the second connecting body (3)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) for connecting a stirrup strap (10) to the tree (11) of a saddle for horseback riding, comprising a first connecting body (2) configured to be stably associated with the end (10a) that is upper during use of the stirrup strap, and a second connecting body (3) associated with the tree, comprising engagement/disengagement means adapted to allow the mutual engagement and disengagement of the first connecting body and of the second connecting body. The engagement/disengagement means comprise coupling means of the mechanical type (50) configured to allow the stable coupling of the first connecting body to the second connecting body by means of a movement of the first connecting body with respect to the second connecting body along at least one movement trajectory, means being provided for retaining the first connecting body and the second connecting body in a coupled condition.