Fetlock Support Device Using Dynamic Tensile Members
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing equine lower limb protection devices fail to effectively prevent injuries from repetitive loading, overexertion, and hyperextension, often interfering with normal joint motion and not providing sufficient mechanical support to the fetlock and related anatomical structures.
Innovation Solution
A fetlock-supporting device with tensile members and dilatant materials that supplement the tensile characteristics of the superficial digital flexor tendon, deep digital flexor tendon, and suspensory ligament, providing additional support and limiting excessive joint extension and angular velocity without constraining normal motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional protection devices are used to support the fetlock, then some mechanical support is provided, but they interfere with normal joint motion and do not effectively prevent injuries from repetitive loading and hyperextension
Solution Approach 1:
The device uses dynamic support members that adapt their stiffness characteristics based on loading conditions. The support members are designed to be compliant during normal motion but become stiffer under excessive load or hyperextension, providing automatic adjustment without interfering with normal joint function.
Solution Approach 2:
The support members utilize materials or structures whose mechanical properties (stiffness, damping) change in response to applied forces. This allows the device to provide appropriate support levels - compliant during normal activity but restrictive during pathological movements like hyperextension or excessive impact.
2Reliability
If rigid support structures are used to limit fetlock extension, then hyperextension is prevented, but normal joint function and athletic performance are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The support members transition from a static rigid structure to a dynamic system that adapts its mechanical characteristics. During normal athletic motion, the members remain compliant to allow full range of motion and performance. When hyperextension is detected or excessive forces are applied, the members stiffen to provide protective limitation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device changes its mechanical parameters (stiffness, damping coefficient) based on the loading conditions. This allows the support structure to maintain athletic performance under normal conditions while automatically providing hyperextension protection when needed, without requiring external control systems.
3Reliability
If tight cuffs are used to anchor tensile members, then mechanical support is effective, but blood circulation is reduced and comfort is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The anchoring system is divided into multiple contact points along the limb rather than a single tight cuff. This distributes the anchoring force across several locations, reducing the pressure at any single point and minimizing circulation restriction while maintaining overall mechanical support effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses flexible, conforming support members that distribute pressure evenly across the limb surface. These flexible structures provide the necessary anchoring and support forces without creating localized high-pressure zones that would restrict blood flow, unlike rigid or tight cuff designs.
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 by limiting fetlock extension and angular velocity, providing additional tensile support and dissipating impact forces, thus minimizing the risk of soft and hard tissue damage while allowing normal joint function.
Implementation Method 1
the stiffness of biological, soft tissue structures, including tendons and ligaments, increases at very high rates of deformation. Thus, if the fetlock flexor tendons are stretched very quickly (e.g. due to a misstep or fatigue), they can develop much higher resistive loads
Data Source
AI summary
A joint-supporting device comprises tensile members extending from above the joint to below it, supplementing the tensile characteristics of the joint's tendons, ligaments, and other structure.