Bridle

Understanding Bridles

Bridles are fundamental rigging configurations that enable flexible suspension solutions. Proper bridle design ensures safe load transfer and stable hanging.

Bridle Basics

**Definition:** Multiple suspension legs meeting at single apex point.

**Purpose:**

• Reduce number of motors needed
• Distribute load from fewer points
• Enable load positioning flexibility
• Adjust trim and angle

Bridle Geometry

**Bridle Angle:** The angle of legs from vertical:

• Steeper (small angle): More headroom, lower leg load
• Shallow (large angle): Less headroom, higher leg load

**Angle Effects:** | Angle from Vertical | Load Multiplier | |---------------------|-----------------| | 0° (vertical) | 1.00× | | 15° | 1.04× | | 30° | 1.15× | | 45° | 1.41× | | 60° | 2.00× |

Load Calculation

**Two-Leg Symmetric Bridle:** Leg Load = (Total Weight ÷ 2) ÷ cos(angle)

**Example:**

• Wall weight: 500 kg
• Bridle angle: 30° from vertical
• Each leg: (500 ÷ 2) ÷ cos(30°)
• Each leg: 250 ÷ 0.866 = 289 kg

Safe Angle Limits

**Recommended:**

• Maintain angle <30° from vertical
• Load factor <1.15×

**Acceptable:**

• Up to 45° from vertical
• Load factor up to 1.41×
• Reduced safety margin

**Dangerous:**

• Beyond 45° from vertical
• Load factors increase rapidly
• Avoid in production

Bridle Components

**Spansets/Steels:**

• Rated for required load
• Appropriate length
• Matched pairs for balance

**Shackles:**

• Proper size for hardware
• Rated capacity
• Correct orientation

**Hardware:**

• Master link at apex
• Connection points at load
• All rated components

Bridle Configurations

**Two-Leg (Y-Bridle):**

• Simplest configuration
• Two points to one apex
• Most common for LED walls

**Four-Leg (X-Bridle):**

• Four points to one apex
• More stability
• Wide/heavy loads

**Basket:**

• Single spanset under load
• Both ends to apex
• Simple, less control

LED Wall Applications

**Wall-Width Bridle:** Multiple pick points to fewer motors:

• Wide wall, limited motors
• Calculate each leg carefully

**Trim Adjustment:** Unequal leg lengths for angle:

• Front/back tilting
• Calculate adjusted loads

Safety Requirements

**Working Load Limit:** All components rated for expected load plus safety factor.

**Inspection:**

• Check all hardware
• Verify ratings
• Look for wear/damage

**Backup:** Consider secondary attachment for critical loads.

Common Mistakes

**Shallow Angles:** Excessive load on legs from wide bridle.

**Unequal Loads:** Asymmetric configurations without recalculating.

**Wrong Hardware:** Undersized or incorrect shackles/spansets.

**No Calculation:** Guessing instead of calculating loads.