Equine Bandage Wrapper with Pressure-Activated Motor Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual bandage winding for horses is labor-intensive, inconsistent, and can lead to long-term joint health issues, while motorized solutions are inconvenient and pose safety risks due to the need for foot-actuated pedals or exposed on/off switches.
Innovation Solution
A motorized bandage wrapping device with an internal micro-pressure switch that activates when the bandage is pulled, allowing both hands to guide the wrapping process, eliminating the need for foot switches and ensuring a safe, efficient re-wrapping environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hand-crank operated winding devices are used, then the bandage can be wound up, but one hand must crank while the other guides the bandage, making it still time-consuming and inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual cranking mechanism with an automated motorized spooling system. The motor is activated by a simple foot-actuated pedal, eliminating the need for continuous hand cranking while maintaining mechanical control. This substitution transforms a labor-intensive hand operation into an automated process that requires minimal user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the bandage to guide itself through the spooling process. As the bandage is fed through the device, it automatically winds onto the spool without requiring manual manipulation or guidance, reducing the operational complexity and time required.
2Ease of operation
If foot-actuated pedals are used to motorize the spooling process, then both hands can guide the bandage, but the pedals are exposed to water, dirt and heavy foot traffic creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the activation mechanism from the contaminated environment by using a wireless or sealed foot-actuated pedal system that is protected from water and dirt exposure. The pedal mechanism is designed to be sealed or positioned in a way that prevents contact with harmful environmental factors while maintaining its foot-activation function.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary activation method that decouples the user's foot action from the motor activation. A sealed pedal or pressure-sensitive switch acts as an intermediary that translates foot pressure into motor activation without exposing the electrical components to the contaminated environment.
3Extent of automation
If on/off switches are exposed for motor control, then the motor can be controlled, but the exposed switches present safety risks and are inconvenient to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes exposed on/off switches from the system entirely, replacing them with automatic activation mechanisms. The motor is controlled through foot-actuated pedals or pressure-sensitive switches that are sealed or protected, eliminating the need for users to reach for or manipulate exposed electrical switches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic motor activation and deactivation based on the presence or absence of bandage material in the spooling path. Sensors detect when the bandage is loaded and automatically start the motor, and stop it when the bandage is depleted, eliminating the need for manual switch operation.
4Ease of manufacture
If hand-winding is used to wrap bandages, then no additional equipment is needed, but the process is slow, labor-intensive and can lead to joint health issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual hand-winding mechanical action with an automated motorized spooling system. The motor drives the spool at controlled speeds, dramatically increasing the winding rate compared to manual hand-winding while maintaining the basic function of wrapping the bandage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates variable speed control and automatic tension regulation to optimize the spooling process. The motor speed can be adjusted based on the bandage material properties and desired wrap tension, allowing the system to adapt dynamically to different wrapping requirements while maintaining high productivity.
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 device enables quick, neat, and tight bandage wrapping, reducing physical stress and the risk of injury, making the process faster and more enjoyable while promoting the use of reusable, environmentally responsible materials.
Implementation Method 1
Such force is resisted by a spring disposed between a base plate and the underside of the floating end of the hinged bracket
Implementation Method 2
The pressure switch activates the motor to wind or turn the spool when the bandage is pulled or tugged slightly by the user
Data Source
AI summary
An equine bandage wrapping device includes a motor with a rotating drive shaft mounted on a hinged bracket. A forked spindle coupled to the motor engages the bandage. The hinged bracket pivots in response to external force causing a torque on the hinge. The external force is supplied by the user pulling slightly against the bandage while it is secured to the forks. Such force is resisted by a spring disposed between a base plate and the underside of the floating end of the hinged bracket. If sufficient force is applied to overcome the spring force, then the electrical circuit between the motor and power source is closed, resulting in the motor turning on. The circuit is opened by removing the external force to cause the spring to return to its extended position, resulting in the motor stopping movement.