Modular Hoof Wrap for Secure Therapeutic Cooling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing therapeutic devices for treating conditions in a horse's hooves, such as cold packs, are difficult to securely attach and maintain in position, especially for large and active animals like horses, and often require frequent replacement due to limited heat absorption capacity and risk of tissue damage.
Innovation Solution
A modular wrap system with adjustable panels and VELCRO attachments that securely holds therapeutic devices, such as cold packs, against a horse's hoof, using a cooling medium that undergoes a phase change to absorb heat effectively and maintain a safe temperature, while allowing the animal to move freely.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If a cold pack is applied to the hoof, then heat absorption and cooling effect are improved, but the risk of tissue damage increases and the pack requires frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between the cold pack and the hoof tissue. This layer acts as a mediator that allows heat transfer while preventing direct contact damage. The wrap system with its multiple panels and insulation layers serves as this intermediary, enabling the cold pack to cool the hoof effectively without causing frostbite or tissue injury from direct ice contact.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes phase transition of water (freezing and melting) as the cooling mechanism. The cold pack contains water that freezes into ice to absorb heat from the hoof, and then melts back into water, releasing the absorbed heat. This phase change process provides sustained cooling over time while the wrap system manages the temperature to prevent tissue damage.
2Reliability
If a cold pack is securely attached to the hoof, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but the device complexity and difficulty of application increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the wrap system into multiple separate panels (anterior panel, posterior panel, lateral panels) that can be individually applied and adjusted. Each panel can be independently sized, shaped, and secured to different portions of the hoof and lower leg. This segmentation allows the complex task of securing a cold pack to be broken down into simpler, manageable steps while achieving reliable attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and flexible elements in the wrap system, including elastic materials, adjustable fasteners, and panels that can be positioned at different locations. This dynamic design allows the wrap to adapt to different hoof sizes, shapes, and animal movements, maintaining secure attachment without requiring an overly complex fixed structure.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the cold pack remains in contact with the hoof for extended periods, then therapeutic duration is improved, but the risk of tissue damage and heat absorption depletion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the wrap system to maintain continuous therapeutic action over extended periods. The phase change material in the cold pack continuously absorbs heat as it transitions from liquid to solid, providing sustained cooling. The wrap system maintains continuous contact and pressure to ensure consistent heat transfer from the hoof to the cold pack throughout the treatment duration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the phase transition of water (freezing and melting) as the cooling mechanism. The cold pack contains water that freezes into ice to absorb heat from the hoof, and then melts back into water, releasing the absorbed heat. This phase change process provides sustained cooling over time while the wrap system manages the temperature to prevent tissue damage.
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 modular wrap system effectively secures therapeutic devices, provides adjustable fit, and enhances heat absorption, reducing the need for frequent replacements and minimizing tissue damage, while maintaining therapeutic efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
using a cooling medium that undergoes a phase change to absorb heat effectively and maintain a safe temperature
Implementation Method 2
a cooling medium that undergoes a phase change to absorb heat effectively
Data Source
AI summary
A modular lower leg and hoof wrap configured to hold one or more therapeutic devices proximate an animal's hoof. The invention is intended primarily for use with horses. The components attach to a sole, which is intended to be positioned beneath the animal's hoof. One or more retention panels extend upward from the sole. A first wrap panel and a second wrap panel also extend upward form the sole. Elastic and VELCRO attachment features are preferably used so that each of the components may be positioned in a suitable location for a particular animal's anatomy. Other closure devices, such as buckles or snaps, could also be used.