Equine Cast Rocker Attachment for Hoof Torque Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Equine leg casts lack protection on the bottom, leading to abrasion and soiling, and often fix the leg in an unnatural position, which can cause discomfort and instability for the horse.
Innovation Solution
A solid whole member with malleable straps that can be bent or folded to attach to the sides of the cast, providing a rocker bottom for natural movement and stability, made from materials like molded polymer or metal, with optional patterning for secure footing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a typical cast is used without additional protection, then the cast material is exposed and vulnerable, but the bottom of the cast becomes abraded and soiled during use
Solution Approach 1:
A separate protective attachment is introduced as an intermediary component between the cast and the ground surface. This attachment features a protective bottom surface that contacts the ground, preventing direct abrasion and soiling of the cast material, while the cast itself remains intact and protected
Solution Approach 2:
The protective function is segmented from the cast structure itself into a separate attachable component. This allows the cast to maintain its primary function of immobilization while the separate attachment provides ground contact and protection, enabling the cast to be removed or replaced independently
2Stability of the object's composition
If the leg is fixed in a stable position during casting, then immobilization is achieved, but the hoof is set in an unnatural position causing discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment incorporates a rocker bottom surface that allows dynamic movement and rotation of the hoof while the cast provides static immobilization of the leg. This enables the hoof to assume a natural, comfortable position and move slightly to reduce torque, while the cast remains stable and secure on the leg
Solution Approach 2:
The rocker bottom features a curved surface geometry that facilitates natural hoof movement and rotation. This curved surface allows the hoof to rock forward and backward, finding a comfortable position, while maintaining the stability provided by the cast structure
3Ease of operation
If a non-ergonomically shaped wad of casting material is used to provide a rocker effect, then some movement is allowed, but there is no consistency or repeatability from cast to cast
Solution Approach 1:
The rocker bottom attachment is pre-formed with the correct ergonomic shape and dimensions before application. This eliminates the need for practitioners to manually create inconsistent rocker shapes during casting, ensuring uniformity and repeatability across all applications while still providing the necessary hoof movement and comfort
Data Source
AI summary
A device or structure for fitting on the bottom of an equine leg cast to protect the cast from abrasion and wear, to aid in keeping the cast clean and, in one aspect, to provide a shaped molded rocker bottom that allows the leg cast hoof to rock forward or back, allowing the equine to find a naturally comfortable position. A method of applying the device to an equine leg cast. The device or structure consist, in general, of a solid member having a top face and a bottom face and having malleable straps attached to the solid member and extending from at least two sides of the solid member, which straps are made of material and sized to be capable of being bent or folded upward in a plane perpendicular to the top face of the solid member to attach to an equine leg cast.