Open-Central Horse Boot for Wet Surface Traction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Horses wearing metal horseshoes experience increased slipping in wet conditions on synthetic surfaces, leading to potential injuries for the horses and others.
Innovation Solution
A horse boot with a rubber sole and a metal plate embedded within, designed to be removably secured to a horse hoof with or without a horseshoe, providing stability and traction while maintaining airflow to the hoof.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal horseshoes are used to protect the hoof and provide stability, then the horse gains protection and stability in dirt, grass, and gravel conditions, but the horse experiences increased slipping in wet conditions on synthetic surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a boot as an intermediary device between the horse's hoof and the ground. The boot contains a treaded sole that contacts the ground to provide traction, while the hoof remains enclosed within the boot. This intermediary structure allows the horse to maintain stability on wet synthetic surfaces without direct contact between the metal horseshoe and the slippery surface, thereby reducing slipping while preserving protection and stability benefits.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fully enclosed horse boots are used, then the hoof is protected from elements and medicine can be contained, but the hoof cannot remain open to airflow and the design does not accommodate horseshoes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the boot structure into distinct segments: an upper portion that encloses the hoof for protection, and a separate sole portion with an open central area. This segmentation allows the boot to accommodate a horseshoe on the hoof while maintaining protective enclosure, and enables the sole to provide traction without interfering with the horseshoe. The open central area of the sole specifically permits the horseshoe to be worn underneath while still providing ground contact for stability.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If conventional fully enclosed horse boots are used, then the hoof is protected from elements, but the design is complex and requires precise fitting
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is segmented into a simpler upper portion and a separate sole portion, reducing overall design complexity. The upper portion provides protective enclosure while the sole portion independently provides traction through its treaded design. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies the manufacturing and fitting processes compared to fully enclosed conventional boots.
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 horse boot effectively reduces slipping on wet synthetic surfaces, provides support and stability for the horse's hoof, and allows for easy installation and removal, ensuring the hoof remains in a natural environment.
Implementation Method 1
The second engagement surface is configured to face and contact a ground surface when the horse boot is in an installed position
Data Source
AI summary
A horse boot removably securable to a horse hoof, the horse boot including a sole having opposite first and second engagement surfaces. Said first engagement surface being configured to face the horse hoof when the horse boot is in an installed position, and the second engagement surface being configured to face and contact a ground surface. A plate is embedded within the sole between the first and second engagement surfaces. The sole is horseshoe shaped and has an open-central area configured to permit a bottom of the horse hoof to remain open to airflow.