Equine Boot With Shock-Absorbing Pad
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horses, particularly those in competitive and show events, experience stress and injury due to standing on hard, unnatural surfaces, leading to hoof and leg issues like laminitis, as existing protective devices fail to adequately absorb shock and provide comfort.
Innovation Solution
An equine boot assembly featuring a shock-absorbing pad made of polymeric elastomer and an anatomically correct boot with a molded sole plate, designed to fit snugly around the hoof, providing cushioning and support through a flexible material construction and secure fastening system.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If conventional metal shoes or rigid protective devices are used, then hoof protection is provided, but shock absorption and comfort are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite construction combining rigid sole plates (metal or plastic) with flexible upper portions (fabric or synthetic material). This composite structure provides the necessary hoof protection through the rigid sole while the flexible upper portion absorbs shock and vibration, resolving the contradiction between protection strength and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The protective device features differentiated material properties in different regions: the sole plate provides rigid protection where needed, while the upper portion uses flexible materials for shock absorption. This local quality differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of protection and comfort that uniform structures cannot provide.
2Ease of manufacture
If hard surface stalls and arenas are used, then ease of cleaning is improved, but stress on legs and hoofs increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective boot assembly acts as an intermediary between the hard surface environment and the horse's hoofs and legs. It cushions the impact from hard surfaces while allowing the horse to stand and move in the hard surface arena, thereby protecting against stress without requiring surface modification.
3Strength
If conventional protective devices are used, then hoof protection is provided, but natural positioning and healing capability are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The protective device incorporates dynamic elements including flexible upper portions that adapt to hoof shape changes during healing, and adjustable fastening mechanisms that allow modification of fit and positioning. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to support natural positioning and healing processes while maintaining protection.
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 boot assembly significantly reduces stress on horses' legs and hooves, facilitates healing by allowing natural positioning and balance, and provides comfort during extended standing on hard surfaces, improving the recovery of injured hooves and reducing the risk of further damage.
Implementation Method 1
a shock absorbing pad, preferably a polymeric elastomer
Implementation Method 2
shock absorbing pad... to reduce stress on the legs and tendons of animals
Data Source
AI summary
An improved equine hoof boot, boot pad and boot and pad assembly that consists of a flexible boot and a shock absorbing pad disposed inside at the bottom of the boot, the pad having optionally a combination of soft and harder components.