Rodeo Boot Reinforcing Strap and Insert Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Rodeo activities such as tie-down roping and goat tying often result in injuries to the legs, ankles, and feet due to the physical demands of quick dismounts and sudden stops, which existing footwear fails to adequately protect.
Innovation Solution
A reinforced boot design featuring flexible straps and internal reinforcing inserts made from durable materials, providing additional support and stability to the ankle and leg, including a medial and lateral reinforcing strap system and removable structural inserts for enhanced protection against torsional and impact forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional footwear is used during rodeo activities, then the participant can move freely and quickly, but the legs, ankles, and feet are vulnerable to injury from torsional and impact forces
Solution Approach 1:
The boot is divided into multiple functional segments: an upper portion covering the foot and ankle, and a separate shaft portion extending up the leg. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently for its specific protective function while maintaining overall structural integrity and mobility.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot incorporates composite construction combining a boot upper made from flexible material with a shaft portion made from rigid material. This composite approach provides both flexibility for movement and rigidity for protection against torsional and impact forces, resolving the contradiction between protection and mobility.
2Strength
If the boot provides enhanced support and reinforcement, then the risk of sprained ankles and twisted knees is reduced, but the boot becomes more complex and heavier
Solution Approach 1:
The boot applies different material properties to different locations: the shaft portion uses rigid material for protection against torsional forces, while the upper portion uses flexible material for comfort and mobility. This local differentiation provides targeted support where needed without unnecessary complexity elsewhere.
Solution Approach 2:
The boot is designed with pre-integrated support structures and reinforcement elements built into the construction before use. This preliminary incorporation of protective features ensures support is already in place during rodeo activities without requiring additional complex components or adjustments during the event.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the boot uses rigid materials for the shaft portion, then protection against torsional forces is improved, but flexibility and comfort are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The boot combines rigid and flexible materials in a single composite structure. The shaft portion uses rigid material to resist torsional forces, while the upper portion uses flexible material to maintain comfort and allow natural foot movement. This composite approach eliminates the need to choose between protection and flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the boot into distinct segments (upper portion and shaft portion) with different material properties, the design allows each segment to optimize its function independently. The rigid shaft provides protection while the flexible upper maintains comfort, resolving the contradiction through spatial separation of functional requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A reinforcing and supportive boot for a rodeo event includes a first strap that is configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the medial side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a first fastener disposed on a lateral side of the shaft portion. The boot further includes a second strap that is configured for crossing over the anterior region of the shaft portion to the lateral side wrapping around the sole and removably attaching to a second fastener disposed on the medial side of the shaft portion. A third strap is configured for wrapping around the shaft portion of the upper and removably attaching to a third fastener disposed on the shaft portion. The posterior region of the shaft portion also includes stiff inserts for added support of the wearer's ankle and leg.