Equine Grooming Device with Deformable Pin and Limiter for Mane Braid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for securing a horse mane's braid, such as using elastic bands or needle and thread, are time-consuming, difficult to manage for achieving the right tightness, and can damage the mane, leading to issues like loose braids, hair loss, and difficulty in removing the fastening materials without causing damage.
Innovation Solution
An equine grooming device with a pin and limiter system that allows easy piercing and securing of the braid knot, using a deformable pin or releasable cap to maintain knot tightness and shape, reducing the number of steps and effort required, and minimizing the risk of mane damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If elastic bands are used to fasten the knot, then the knot can be secured, but it is difficult to obtain the ideal degree of tightening and may pull out hairs or damage the mane
Solution Approach 1:
A foam element is introduced as an intermediary between the elastic band and the mane. The foam element distributes the tightening force over a larger area and cushions the pressure, preventing hair pull-out and mane damage while still allowing the elastic band to secure the knot effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic band is modified by adding a foam element that changes the pressure distribution parameters. Instead of concentrated pressure from a thin band, the foam creates distributed pressure with optimal force concentration, achieving ideal tightening without exceeding damage thresholds
2Reliability
If needle and thread are used to fasten the knot, then the knot can be secured, but the thread is difficult to remove without cutting the mane
Solution Approach 1:
The thread fastening method is completely extracted and replaced with an elastic band system. This eliminates the removal difficulty associated with threaded knots, as elastic bands can be simply stretched and removed without cutting or damaging the mane
Solution Approach 2:
The foam element serves as a mediator that enables easy removal. It allows the elastic band to be stretched beyond its normal limit during removal without transmitting excessive force to the mane, preventing damage during the extraction process
3Reliability
If conventional braiding methods are used, then the mane can be braided, but the process is time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
The mane is pre-combed and prepared before braiding, and the elastic band is pre-positioned at the end of the braid. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming steps during the actual braiding process, allowing for faster completion while maintaining quality
Solution Approach 2:
The complex knot-tying and securing steps are extracted and replaced with a simple elastic band fastening method. This eliminates multiple manual manipulation steps required in conventional methods, significantly reducing the time and labor required while maintaining secure knot formation
Data Source
AI summary
An equine grooming device for maintaining a horse mane's braid has at least one pin and a limiter. The pin forms or receives a securing element. The securing element prevents movement of the pin in a direction opposite to a stitching direction. The limiter may include a retainer element. The securing element may be formed by deforming at least part of the pin. A method for use of an equine grooming device for maintaining a horse's braid is also disclosed.