Equine Cryotherapy Boot with Segmented Ice Containment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for providing cryotherapy to a horse's hoof are inefficient, as they require the horse to be restrained, do not provide sufficient support or cooling, and allow ice to migrate under the hoof, causing discomfort and potential inflammation.
Innovation Solution
The equine cryotherapy overleg device features a dual compartment design with stretchable materials and secure fastening devices, allowing a horse to move freely while maintaining effective cooling of the hoof and lower limb, preventing ice migration, and ensuring comfortable mobility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If current ice wrap methods are used on horse limb, then cryotherapy can be provided, but the horse must be restrained and cannot move freely
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into multiple segments: a boot portion that fits over the hoof, a lower leg portion, and a knee or hock portion. This segmentation allows the device to remain stable on the horse's limb while permitting natural movement, resolving the contradiction between maintaining cryotherapy effectiveness and allowing horse mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from traditional two-dimensional flat wraps to a three-dimensional boot structure that encompasses the hoof and lower limb. This dimensional change provides better support and ice containment while allowing the horse to move freely, addressing both temperature maintenance and mobility requirements.
2Temperature
If traditional ice bags are taped to the fetlock, then cooling can be provided, but the method is cumbersome and creates sores on the horse's skin
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses a flexible boot structure made of appropriate materials that conform to the horse's limb shape. This flexible shell design distributes pressure evenly, prevents skin sores, and eliminates the need for adhesive tapes that cause discomfort, while still maintaining effective cooling contact.
3Temperature
If ice is placed in simple wraps, then cooling is provided, but ice migrates under the horse's foot causing discomfort and inflammation
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is designed as a distinct segment that fits securely over the hoof with a separate lower leg portion. This segmentation creates a physical barrier that prevents ice from migrating under the hoof, while still allowing the ice to remain in contact with the lower limb for effective cooling.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot structure acts as an intermediary between the ice and the horse's hoof, containing the ice in a designated space and preventing direct contact with the hoof underside. This intermediary structure eliminates ice migration while maintaining cooling effectiveness.
4Temperature
If large ice therapy boots are used that effectively cool the foot and lower limb, then cooling is improved, but the horse must be immobilized
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into distinct portions (boot, lower leg, knee/hock) that can independently accommodate horse movement. This segmentation allows the device to provide comprehensive cooling to the lower limb while permitting the horse to move freely, unlike immobilizing large ice boots.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates dynamic elements including flexible materials and adjustable fastening systems that adapt to horse movement. This dynamic design maintains cooling effectiveness throughout the horse's range of motion, resolving the contradiction between comprehensive cooling and mobility.
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 continuous, effective cryotherapy for horses, preventing serious conditions like laminitis, while allowing the horse to move freely, reducing discomfort and inflammation associated with previous methods.
Implementation Method 1
The ice containment area is provided within the outer portion 203 of the upper portion 201 of the boot 100
Implementation Method 2
The boot 100 is formed of a stretchable material
Data Source
AI summary
An equine cryotherapy overleg device that encircles the lower limb of a subject horse and provides cryotherapy to the subject horse. The one-piece device includes upper and lower fasteners, a pastern area that will hold ice and ice water and a vertical zipper. The arrangement of the hoof cover, and hoof slipper allow for free movement of the subject horse and for a thermal fluid to contain ice and prevent the ice from migrating under the subject horse hoof.