Hay Net Strap System for Secure Horse Feeding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hay nets are cumbersome to handle due to their weight and shape when full, and the knotting system used to suspend them can be unreliable, posing a risk of entanglement and injury to horses.
Innovation Solution
A hay net with a mesh body, a securing member, and a variable-length elastic strap that engages at two positions to secure the net to a support structure, featuring a fastening element and guide formation with loops, and a toggle mechanism to prevent movement, allowing for easy handling and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard rope or cord knotting system is used to suspend the hay net, then the net can be attached to a support structure, but the knot may come undone as the horse tugs on the net, causing the net to hang down close to the ground or fall, creating a risk of entanglement and injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical knotting system with a plastic buckle fastening system. The buckle includes a body with a gate that can be inserted and locked onto a strap, providing a more reliable attachment that cannot easily come undone compared to knots. This substitution eliminates the risk of knot failure while maintaining the ability to securely attach the net to the support structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the attachment mechanism from a friction-based knot to a positive-locking buckle system. The buckle's gate engages with the strap in a way that provides mechanical interlocking, changing the attachment parameter from dependent on knot-tying skill and friction to dependent on the buckle's geometric engagement, which is more reliable and less prone to failure under load.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the hay net is hung a significant distance above ground level to prevent horse entanglement, then safety is improved, but the net becomes harder to lift and position when full of heavy hay
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the attachment system into multiple components: a plastic buckle, a strap, and connection points on the net. This segmentation allows the heavy net to be attached to the strap at multiple points, distributing the weight and making it easier to lift and position. The modular design enables easier handling compared to a single-point attachment.
3Ease of operation
If a quick release knot is used to allow easy untying, then ease of operation is improved, but the knot can come undone as the horse tugs on the net during feeding
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the quick release knot mechanism with a plastic buckle that features a gate for easy opening. The buckle provides both the reliability of a secure lock during feeding and the ease of operation for release, eliminating the compromise that exists with quick release knots. The mechanical design of the buckle inherently prevents accidental opening while allowing intentional release.
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 solution simplifies the handling and secure attachment of the hay net, reducing the risk of entanglement and injury by providing a reliable and easy-to-use strap system that maintains the net's position without requiring knots, making it safer and more convenient to use.
Implementation Method 1
a variable length elastic strap securing the net to a support structure
Data Source
AI summary
Example hay nets for providing hay to horses are disclosed. A disclosed example hay net includes a mesh body forming a bag, having a securing member at a first position relative to the body of the net, a mouth formed at a second position relative to the body of the net, the first position being spaced from the second position, and a strap engaging the net adjacent the first position to secure the strap relative to the body of the net adjacent the first position, and engaging the net adjacent the second position to secure the strap relative to the body of the net adjacent the second position, wherein the length of the strap between the first and second positions is variable whilst maintaining engagement between the strap and the net adjacent both the first and second positions.