Modular Horseshoe with Reversible Adhesive Attachment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horseshoe attachment methods, such as nailing and gluing, damage the horse's hoof and are time-consuming, costly, and require expertise, while also restricting the natural functions of the hoof, and existing detachable solutions are not efficient for frequent changes.
Innovation Solution
A modular shoe system comprising a base plate and elevators with reversible attachment means, such as Velcro or click fasteners, allowing for quick, easy, and gentle attachment and detachment without damaging the hoof, enabling multiple changes during a shoeing period and accommodating various hoof conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If nailing or gluing a horseshoe to the hoof, then the shoe remains securely attached for the shoeing period, but the hoof wall is damaged and infections can occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical nailing system with a chemical adhesive bonding system. The adhesive forms a bonding layer between the horseshoe and hoof wall, eliminating the need for nails that physically penetrate and damage the hoof structure. This substitution maintains attachment security while avoiding the harmful mechanical damage caused by traditional nailing methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an adhesive as an intermediary substance between the horseshoe and the hoof wall. This bonding layer acts as a mediator that creates a secure connection without direct mechanical contact that would damage the hoof. The adhesive distributes forces evenly across the bonding surface, preventing concentration of stress that could lead to hoof damage or infection entry points.
2Reliability
If using two-component adhesives to attach the horseshoe, then secure attachment is achieved, but the process becomes time-consuming and requires great expertise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent modifies the adhesive's chemical parameters by incorporating catalytic substances that accelerate the curing reaction. This parameter change reduces the setting time of the adhesive from the typical extended curing time of two-component adhesives to a much shorter duration, making the shoeing process faster while maintaining the secure attachment properties of the adhesive bond.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified adhesive composition that replicates the bonding capabilities of complex two-component adhesives but with a single-component formulation. This copying approach captures the essential adhesive properties (strength, flexibility, bonding) while eliminating the complexity of mixing and handling two separate components, thereby reducing the time and expertise required.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If using conventional horseshoes with fixed attachment, then the hoof is protected from abrasion, but the natural functions of the hoof are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a bonding layer with viscoelastic properties that can dynamically adapt to the hoof's movements and deformations. Unlike rigid fixed attachments, the adhesive bonding layer flexes and deforms with the natural expansion, contraction, and movement of the hoof, thereby protecting against abrasion while preserving the hoof's natural functions and adaptability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If removing and reattaching the horseshoe during a shoeing period, then the shoe can be changed, but the connection between shoe and hoof must be renewed which damages the hoof
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical nailing system with a chemical adhesive bonding system that allows for cleaner removal and reattachment. The adhesive bond can be broken and reformed without the need to drive nails through the hoof wall, significantly reducing damage during shoe changes. The chemical bond distributes stresses more evenly during removal, preventing the concentrated damage that occurs with mechanical nail removal.
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 system reduces stress on the hoof, saves time, and allows for individual adjustment to hoof shape and conditions, promoting natural hoof function while preventing damage during attachment and removal.
Implementation Method 1
the adhesive technique is associated with relatively high costs
Implementation Method 2
it has surprisingly been found that the setting time can be reduced if catalytic substances are added to the adhesive
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a shoe (1) for the hoof of an equine, in particular a horse. The shoe (1) comprises a base plate (2) and at least one lift (3 to 5), wherein the base plate (2) is connected to the at least one lift (3 to 5). The at least one lift (3 to 5) has hoof wall fastening means (33, 34, 35a and 35b) which are configured to reversibly detach the at least one lift (3 to 5) from the hoof wall of the equine, in particular the horse, without having to destroy the connection to the hoof during repeated removal and attachment during a shoeing period. The invention further relates to a method for shoeing an equine, in particular a horse, with the aforementioned shoe (1).