Equine Support Boot Fetlock Joint Stabilization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current equine support boots often fail to provide adequate support and protection, leading to insufficient injury prevention and rehabilitation for horses, as they either lack structural integrity or do not effectively restrict movement at the fetlock joint.
Innovation Solution
The equine support boot features a base portion made of compliant materials with an integrated orthopedic pad and tendon support members that restrict and control the movement of the fetlock joint, providing stability and protection by extending from the proximal cannon bone to the distal pastern, and incorporating a force-resistant pad to reduce tensile stress on the suspensory ligament and flexor tendons.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional support boots are used, then the horse's leg is protected from external injuries, but the fetlock joint does not receive adequate support and movement control
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into distinct functional segments: a base portion for general protection, an orthopedic pad specifically for fetlock support, and tendon support members for ligament protection. Each segment targets a specific anatomical structure, allowing the boot to provide both external protection and specialized internal support simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the boot are made with different material properties and structural characteristics. The orthopedic pad uses dense foam for localized fetlock support, while the base portion uses softer materials for general cushioning. The tendon support members incorporate rigid elements for ligament stabilization. This local differentiation enables the boot to address multiple support requirements in one device.
2Device complexity
If the boot structure is simplified, then manufacturing cost and complexity are reduced, but the boot fails to provide adequate structural integrity and movement restriction
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple support functions are merged into a single integrated boot structure. The orthopedic pad, tendon support members, and base portion are combined in one device that simultaneously provides fetlock support, ligament protection, and general cushioning. This integration achieves comprehensive support without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby controlling overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot incorporates composite construction using different foam densities and material combinations in different regions. The orthopedic pad uses high-density foam for structural support, while the base portion uses lower-density foam for cushioning. This composite approach enables the boot to achieve high structural integrity while maintaining flexibility and comfort.
3Reliability
If the boot provides extensive support and protection, then injury prevention and rehabilitation effectiveness are improved, but the boot becomes more complex and difficult to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The complex support functions are segmented into modular components that can be manufactured separately and then assembled. The orthopedic pad, tendon support members, and base portion can be produced as individual parts using standard manufacturing processes, then combined through bonding or stitching. This modular approach simplifies manufacturing while maintaining comprehensive support functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot design utilizes variations in material parameters (foam density, material composition) rather than complex structural variations. By adjusting the density and properties of foam materials in different regions, the boot achieves diverse support characteristics without requiring complex mechanical structures. This parameter-based differentiation is easier to manufacture than structural complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
An equine support boot comprises a base portion, at least one upper strap, a concave portion formed in the base portion, an orthopedic pad disposed in the concave portion, and at least one sling strap connected to the base portion, the sling strap being configured to apply an upward force on the concave portion.