Horse Fly Mask with Tenting Spline Framework
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fly masks for horses often irritate the animal's face and eyes due to excessive contact, failing to provide adequate insect and sun protection while allowing horses to rub through the masks in an attempt to alleviate irritation.
Innovation Solution
A fly mask design featuring a mesh covering held away from the horse's muzzle and eyes by a tenting framework of pre-loaded splines, with minimal contact points and secure closure systems, including VELCRO or 3M DUAL LOCK, to prevent irritation and wear resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the mesh mask is made loose and unstructured to provide coverage, then insect and sun protection is improved, but the mask engages excessively against the horse's muzzle, hair and skin causing irritation and annoyance
Solution Approach 1:
The mask is divided into multiple functional components: a base layer for coverage, a spline framework for structural support, and raised relief lines for protection. This segmentation allows each component to serve its specific function without compromising the others, resolving the contradiction between coverage and comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a third dimension by adding vertical relief lines and raised features that lift the mesh away from the horse's skin in key areas. This dimensional change creates space between the mask and skin, reducing irritation while maintaining protective coverage.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the mask is made to engage closely with the horse's face to provide protection, then insect and sun protection is improved, but the horse rubs its head against posts or fences to alleviate irritation, sometimes rubbing holes through the mask
Solution Approach 1:
The raised relief lines and spline framework are pre-installed to create protective barriers before any rubbing occurs. These structural elements absorb and distribute the forces from rubbing, preventing the mesh from being damaged while allowing the horse to relieve irritation naturally.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the physical parameters of the mask by introducing rigid splines and raised relief lines that alter the mask's flexibility and structural integrity. This allows the mask to resist rubbing forces while maintaining close enough contact for effective protection.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the mask is made structured with splines to hold mesh away from the horse's eyes and skin, then mask irritation is reduced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The splines are constructed from flexible materials that can bend and conform to the horse's head shape, allowing the complex structural framework to adapt to different sizes and shapes without requiring multiple rigid components. This flexibility simplifies the overall structure while maintaining the protective function.
Solution Approach 2:
The spline framework serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates spacing to reduce irritation, forms raised relief lines for durability, and can be adjusted to fit different horse sizes. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components, simplifying the overall design.
Data Source
AI summary
A fly mask for horses has a cage structure supporting a mesh, the structure being formed of semi-rigid plastic splines which hold the mesh away from the eyes and most of the surfaces of the horse's head. In a preferred form the fly mask has protruding lines at the location of the splines, protecting the mask against excessive wear due to rubbing of the mask against posts or other building structure when worn. A detachable protective nose guard can be included.