Curable Polymer Hoof Coating for Rapid Curing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current treatments for hoof disorders in ungulate animals, such as sole ulcers and interdigital necrobacillosis, are challenging due to the need for quick intervention to avoid injury and death, especially in large animals like cows, and often require amputation or surgery, which are not always feasible.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a curable polymer coating applied to the hoof, which cures within 60 seconds or less, providing a Shore D hardness of 10 to 50, and can be used to create a protective barrier or adhere a block, offering cushioning and adhesive properties for short-term protection without amputation or surgery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a curable polymer coating is applied to the hoof, then protective barrier and cushioning are provided, but the treatment time must be completed within 60 seconds or less to avoid injury to the animal
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating undergoes a phase transition from liquid to solid through rapid curing within 60 seconds, transforming from an applied coating to a protective barrier that can support the animal's weight while providing cushioning and protection
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer's physical parameters (viscosity, hardness, elasticity) change rapidly during the 60-second curing period, transitioning from a flowable coating state to a supportive protective barrier state with Shore D hardness of 10-50
2Strength
If the cured polymer has Shore D hardness of 10 to 50, then sufficient cushioning is provided to support the animal's weight, but the polymer must cure rapidly within 60 seconds to prevent injury
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer formulation is designed to achieve rapid parameter changes, specifically reaching the target Shore D hardness range of 10-50 within 60 seconds of application, balancing cushioning requirements with treatment time constraints
Solution Approach 2:
The rapid curing process represents a phase transition where the polymer achieves its final mechanical properties (Shore D hardness 10-50) quickly, providing necessary cushioning support within the 60-second window before animal injury risk increases
3Productivity
If amputation or surgery is avoided, then long-term productivity is maintained, but effective treatment of deep foot infections becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer coating acts as a temporary, disposable protective barrier that provides immediate relief and protection during the healing process, avoiding the need for permanent surgical intervention while maintaining animal productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer coating serves as an intermediary protective layer between the infected hoof and external environment, providing a non-surgical treatment pathway that preserves the digit while allowing healing to occur
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
The method allows for rapid treatment and protection of the hoof, providing sufficient adhesive strength and cushioning to support the animal's weight and promote healing, reducing the risk of further injury and enabling rehabilitation without amputation or surgery.
Implementation Method 1
coating one or both of (i) at least a portion of a bottom surface of the hoof or (ii) at least a portion of a block surface with a curable polymer and allowing the polymer to cure for a period of time. The polymer is cured within 60 seconds or less of the coating
Implementation Method 2
The cured polymer has a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 50... the method further comprises applying a block to the bottom surface of the hoof after the coating but before the curing, wherein the curing adheres the block to the hoof
Implementation Method 3
The cured polymer has a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 50... providing sufficient adhesive strength and cushioning to support the animal's weight
Data Source
AI summary
A method of treating a hoof of an ungulate animal. The method comprises coating one or both of (i) at least a portion of a bottom surface of the hoof or (ii) at least a portion of a block surface with a curable polymer and allowing the polymer to cure for a period of time. The polymer is cured within 60 seconds or less of the coating and the cured polymer has a Shore D hardness of about 10 to about 50. The curable polymer is provided as a two component system. The first component is a reaction product of (a) comprises 4-4′-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate, castor oil, isocyanatopropyltriethoxysilane, and glycidoxypropyltrimethoxysilane, and wherein (b) comprises dicyclohexylmethane-4,4-diisocyanate, polyether polyol, 4,4′-diphenylmethane-diisocyanate (MDI), and triethoxy(3-isocyanatopropyle)silane. The second component comprises polyoxypropylene oxide ether polyol, diol (2000 MW), polyxoypropylene oxide ether polyol, triol (450 MW), tetrahydroxypropylethylendiamine, metaxylenediamine, and organobismuth catalyst.