Equine Shoe Embedded Bridges Tee Nut Traction Spike Durability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing equine shoes with traction spikes suffer from durability issues due to repeated high impacts, leading to damage and eventual failure of the spikes and their securing mechanisms, resulting in loss of traction and the need for frequent replacements.

Innovation Solution

A urethane horse shoe with embedded bridges and tee nuts connected to these bridges, which resist dislodgment under load and securely retain traction spikes, enhancing durability and traction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traction spikes are removably screwed or securely seated into the sole of the shoe, then the shoe provides improved traction in difficult conditions, but the securing mechanisms are subjected to significant loads and high impacts that cause damage and eventual failure over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedurability of securing mechanismVSAvoidresistance to dislodgment under load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the tee nut securing mechanism with the shoe sole by embedding the tee nuts directly into the sole structure. This integration eliminates the separation between the securing mechanism and the shoe body, creating a unified structure that resists dislodgment under load while maintaining the ability to securely retain traction spikes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The tee nuts are preliminarily embedded into the shoe sole during manufacturing, positioned and secured before the traction spikes are installed. This preliminary action ensures that the securing mechanisms are pre-positioned in optimal locations and are ready to withstand loads from the moment the spikes are attached, preventing gradual loosening that occurs with repeated installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If traditional steel or aluminum shoes are used, then the shoes provide basic protection for the hooves, but they lack sufficient traction in difficult conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetraction in difficult conditionsVSAvoidstructure with embedded bridges and tee nuts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the shoe into distinct functional components: the urethane sole providing protection and cushioning, embedded bridges providing structural support and attachment points, and removable traction spikes providing enhanced grip. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs composite construction by combining urethane material for the sole with metal bridges and traction spikes. This composite approach leverages the advantages of each material: the shock-absorbing properties of urethane, the structural strength of metal bridges, and the high-friction characteristics of metal spikes, creating a shoe that outperforms traditional single-material designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentUS20250176520A1Bout the IMPROVED TRACTION EQUINE SHOE
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 EASYCARE INC
  • US20250176520A1 patent drawing
  • US20250176520A1 patent drawing
  • US20250176520A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An equine shoe having one or more embedded bridges. Tee nuts are securely connected to the bridges, thus allowing for the durable connection of traction spikes to the shoe.