Polymeric Horseshoe with Adhesive Bonding for Hoof Trauma Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horseshoes made of metal, such as steel or aluminum, cause trauma and stress to domesticated horses due to their rigidity, leading to lameness and hoof damage, and require frequent nail-based attachment that can be painful and lead to hoof weakening and bacterial infection.
Innovation Solution
Development of non-metallic polymeric horseshoes that conform to the natural shape of the hoof, allowing for natural flexing and widening, and are attached using adhesives instead of nails, reducing trauma and promoting healthier hoof growth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metal horseshoes are used, then the shoe provides structural support and protection, but it causes trauma and stress to the hoof due to rigidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from rigid metal to flexible polymeric material, allowing the horseshoe to maintain structural support while adapting to natural hoof movement, thereby eliminating trauma and stress caused by rigidity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite polymeric materials that combine the necessary strength for structural support with the flexibility needed to conform to hoof movement, resolving the contradiction between strength and harm reduction
2Reliability
If nails are used to attach horseshoes, then the shoe is securely fastened, but it causes pain and can lead to hoof weakening and bacterial infection
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical nail-based attachment system with an adhesive bonding system, eliminating the need for nails that cause pain and hoof damage while maintaining secure attachment through chemical bonding
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces adhesive as an intermediary substance between the horseshoe and the hoof, providing secure attachment without the harmful mechanical penetration of nails into the hoof structure
3Stability of the object's composition
If frequent re-shoeing is performed, then the shoe maintains proper geometry and function, but it requires numerous nail holes that weaken the hoof structure
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing nail-based attachment with adhesive bonding, the patent eliminates the creation of nail holes in the hoof wall, allowing for more frequent re-shoeing without compromising hoof wall integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The adhesive attachment system allows the horseshoe to be removed and reapplied without causing cumulative damage to the hoof structure, enabling the hoof to maintain its integrity through multiple shoeing cycles
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 polymeric horseshoes provide a self-leveling effect, reducing the need for frequent re-shoeing, minimizing lameness and hoof damage, while promoting healthier hoof growth and reducing the risk of diseases like laminitis and quarter cracks.
Implementation Method 1
are attached using adhesives instead of nails
Implementation Method 2
allowing for natural flexing and widening
Data Source
AI summary
A therapeutic extension horseshoe is formed in a substantially u-shape from a resilient, flexile moldable material. A pliable, metal rod-like reinforcer is shaped to include an anterior segment from which opposing side segments continuously extend to caudal ends separated as an open heel. Ungulate and contact surfaces are formed to include an extension to one of said opposing side segments, which extension acts as an additional load bearing surface portion to facilitate a modification of a posture of a horse shod therewith. At least one wear insert is arranged in the extended load bearing surface portion to minimize surface wear to the moldable material. Depending on its orientation, the therapeutic extension horseshoe may be used to provide a lateral extension or a medial extension.