Concave Equine Shoe for Coffin Bone Repositioning
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Equines with laminitis or hoof abnormalities require specialized hoof treatment to address the shift of the coffin bone, which is often fatal due to the weakened lamina, and existing solutions like trimming and rocker shoes are not fully effective in providing comfort and healing relief.
Innovation Solution
A dual-density polymer equine shoe with a concave top surface is designed to mate with a rounded hoof shape, featuring a harder top section and softer bottom section, allowing for natural hoof movement and repositioning of the coffin bone, which is determined by radiograph images to achieve optimal alignment and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a flat or convex shoe top surface is used, then the shoe provides structural support, but it does not effectively mate with the rounded hoof shape to reposition the coffin bone
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe top surface is formed with a concave curvature that matches the rounded shape of the trimmed hoof. This curved geometry allows the shoe to mate properly with the hoof surface, enabling effective repositioning of the coffin bone while maintaining structural support.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the hoof is trimmed to a rounded shape to reposition the coffin bone, then the coffin bone can be repositioned, but the hoof requires a specialized shoe design to work effectively
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe incorporates a concave top surface specifically at the area that contacts the rounded hoof, while the rest of the shoe maintains its structural integrity. This localized geometric modification enables effective mating with the trimmed hoof without requiring the entire shoe design to be complex.
3Reliability
If a single-density polymer shoe is used, then the shoe is simple to manufacture, but it cannot provide both structural stability and cushioning relief
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is constructed from dual-density polymer materials, combining a harder density portion for structural support and stability with a softer density portion for cushioning and relief. This composite material approach enables the shoe to provide both structural integrity and therapeutic cushioning simultaneously.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the shoe bottom section is made softer for cushioning, then comfort and healing relief are improved, but the shoe may lack sufficient structural stability
Solution Approach 1:
The shoe is divided into distinct density portions: a harder density portion that provides structural support and stability, and a softer density portion that provides cushioning and stress relief. This segmentation allows each portion to fulfill its specific function without compromising the other.
Data Source
AI summary
An equine shoe structure and assembly that provides a cushioning effect on the equine hoof and legs, covers substantially all the underside of a hoof, and provides an upper concave surface shaped to mate with a rounded shaped equine hoof.