Equine Fetlock Joint Protection Device with Tensile Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equine joint protection devices fail to effectively prevent injuries from repetitive loading, overexertion, and hyperextension, particularly in the fetlock joint, due to insufficient mechanical support and inadequate limitation of joint motion and angular velocity, leading to chronic injuries and reduced ambulation in horses.
Innovation Solution
A joint protective device comprising tensile members and dilatant materials that limit the range of motion and angular velocity of the fetlock joint, providing additional tensile support and energy absorption to prevent hyperextension and distribute ground reaction forces, while allowing normal motion and minimizing interference with the horse's proprioception.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tensile members are used to support the joint and limit range of motion, then joint stability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate proximal and distal structures that are not joined to one another, with tensile members extending between them. This segmentation allows the structures to be secured to the limb independently, simplifying the overall device design while maintaining joint stability through the tensile members.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of joining the proximal and distal structures together to provide support, the invention inverts the approach by leaving them separate and using tensile members to connect them. This inverted configuration simplifies the device structure while achieving the same stabilizing effect.
2Stability of the object's composition
If dilatant materials are provided to limit angular velocity, then joint protection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Dilatant materials are provided at specific locations within the device structure where they are needed to limit angular velocity. This localized application of specialized materials provides joint protection without requiring the entire device to be complex, applying the principle of local quality enhancement.
3Ease of operation
If proximal and distal structures are not joined to one another, then ease of application is improved, but manufacturing precision is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The device allows for dynamic adjustment of the proximal and distal structures on the limb, enabling easy application and removal. The structures can be positioned and secured independently, providing ease of application while the tensile members maintain the necessary precision to prevent relative motion between structures.
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 effectively reduces the risk of injury to both soft and hard tissues by limiting excessive joint extension and angular velocity, thereby minimizing the likelihood of micro- and macro-damage, promoting healing and reducing the risk of reinjury.
Implementation Method 1
Dilatant materials may be provided to limit the angular velocity of the joint
Implementation Method 2
resilient tensile members extend between the proximal and distal structures so as to store energy when the joint is extended
Implementation Method 3
springs are provided between the proximal and distal structures so as to store energy when the joint is extended
Data Source
AI summary
A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from a proximal cuff secured to the limb above the joint to a distal cuff secured to the limb below the joint, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure. The device may also comprise structure for limiting the range of motion and angular velocity of the joint.