Infinitely Adjustable Horse Collar With Securement Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collars for preventing cribbing in horses are either harmful, ineffective, or easily removable, as they lack stiffness, have sharp projections, or cannot adjust to fit properly, leading to incomplete prevention of the behavior and potential harm to the horse.
Innovation Solution
A stiff, infinitely adjustable collar with a secure alligator flap and strap system that prevents neck arching without interfering with normal breathing or swallowing, and cannot be rotated or loosened by the horse, ensuring it remains functional and snug.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a collar with sharp projections is used to prevent cribbing, then the cribbing behavior is discouraged, but the horse may be harmed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the potentially harmful sharp projections into beneficial rounded protrusions that apply pressure to discourage cribbing without injuring the horse. The rounded shape maintains the deterrent effect while eliminating the harmful sharp edges, transforming a harmful design into a safe one.
2Ease of operation
If a collar is made flexible to be comfortable for the horse, then the horse can move normally, but the collar can be bent and folded to reduce its width effectiveness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic design where the collar is flexible enough to accommodate normal horse movement but maintains its functional width through a hinge mechanism that allows controlled articulation. This dynamic structure enables the collar to adapt to the horse's movements while preventing the kind of bending and folding that would reduce its effectiveness.
3Reliability
If a collar is made adjustable to fit precisely, then it remains snug to prevent neck arching, but it requires complex adjustment mechanisms that can be removed or loosened by the horse
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the collar into multiple segments including adjustable length portions and a separate securement strap system. This segmentation allows for precise adjustment of the collar length to fit the horse properly while using a simple, horse-proof securement mechanism that prevents loosening or removal through rubbing against fences.
4Reliability
If a collar is secured tightly to prevent removal, then it cannot be loosened by rubbing against fences, but it may interfere with normal breathing and swallowing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the collar snug in specific areas where it needs to prevent cribbing and removal, while maintaining adequate clearance in areas where breathing and swallowing occur. The securement strap is positioned and sized to provide tight security against rubbing and removal, while the overall collar design ensures it does not compress the horse's throat or interfere with normal physiological functions.
Data Source
AI summary
A collar has an infinitely adjustable effective length with a securement mechanism that prevents the collar from being loosened or removed by rubbing against a fence or other fixed object.